Farscape: Cancelled [Archive] - Muppet Central Forum

UncleDeadly

09-06-2002, 11:45 PM

Today, in a live, official chat on #farscape featuring writers, directors, and stars, and over 400 fans, it was announced that through a loophole in their contract, scifi channel has pulled out of its contract to have a fifth season of their top rated original series.

Next Tuesday they finish the last episode of Season 4.

Wednesday they start taking apart the sets.

If you are a fan of the show, fans everywhere are asking you to help out with several things:

Go Here For Information on Calling, Writting, E-mailing, and otherwise doing productive things to save the show (http://iamchibi.com/chichi/savefs.html)

and

Sign the Petition Here (http://www.ipetitions.com/campaigns/SAVE_FARSCAPE/)

I've seen too many good sci fi shows die, and I dont want to see this one go away with out a fight

Cantus Rock

09-07-2002, 12:28 AM

Holy lord this is a bad bad thing! You'd think these network people would know when they had a good thing. Oh man, this is really bad. I was never a huge huge Farscape fan, but this is really horrible..and I'm rambling. Oh man...well one thing is for sure, I will be signing that petition, and I do pray that they bring it back. For the fans, and for JHC in general. Thanks for post UD.

Its a sad, sad day out there in TV land... :(

-Matt

Luke

09-07-2002, 05:53 AM

yeah i've heard about this - there is a transcript of the chat where it was announced here :- http://www.farscapeweekly.com/cancelled.htm

Phillip Chapman

09-07-2002, 11:54 AM

It's so disappointing for all the cast and crew. It was just a couple months ago that sci-fi renewed Farscape for two years, the biggest contract of any sci-fi series ever on the channel. Apparently they had an out, and for an unknown reason (Farscape's ratings have been solid this summer) they canceled the show.

Particularly sad for Brian Henson. As more than anything else the past 10 years, Farscape has been has baby and the show is an incredible success. It's currently his biggest project and now it appears the series may be done even though it has many years worth of life left in it.

We'll be seeing lots more info on this in the coming days. It will make November's Farscape convention bitter-sweet for sure.

Smig

09-07-2002, 12:29 PM

I can GUESS why they canceled the show.
They figured they have enough episodes of a popular series to rerun forever, so why spend any more money?

Cheapskates.

Smig

Luke

09-07-2002, 02:14 PM

I agree with both Phil and Smig - i think there was definitely more scope in the show, and they were making some changes to keep it interesting. The only reason i can see (as Smig points out) is money - finances in TV are at an all time low right now and it's obviously a massive commitment for someone like Sci-Fi to do a show on this scale.

Maybe they'll make a movie to tie up the loose ends ?

dwmckim

09-07-2002, 03:06 PM

I've been massively busy this last week and hardly online at all and just found out the news. Thanks to those who've posted the info on the news and the various links for fans to try help save the show.

The news as to "WHY" it was cancelled has not yet leaked out - though there's speculation that it has to do with SciFi's parent company's money problems (sound familiar?) Farscape is one of cable's most expensive shows to produce.

Anyone who wants to save the show MUST ACT FAST (ie NOW) to voice their disgust to SciFi - the sets are scheduled to be destroyed soon. The scifi telephone numbers answering machines have apparently been filled up wilth calls as to periodically have no room for new messages so this is not a wasted effort!

Sadly, the news was delivered to the Farscape team days before shooting the last parts of the last season 4 episode thus it's too late for them to change the content to a "end of series" as opposed to "end of season" episode. The writers/producers do want to have the story continued so fans know the end as it was planned - whether it be in movie form, book, etc. They'd love it if another network could pick up the show but that would realistically only happen in SciFi was gracious enough to sign over the programming rights for the first 88 episodes.

Anyway - i urge everyone here to help out the Save Farscape effort! Even if you've never seen the show or not as big a fan of it, it's a success for Henson and further seasons of the show means more opportunity for Henson to explore other things that would benefit other Henson/Muppet projects.

..and oh yes - from the mouth of David Kemper - be considerate and professional in your contact - the tone should be disappointment not anger. Network heads listen to fans (who write intelligent profound letters/messages) not lunatics (who use all caps, are nasty, use threatening tones)

gymkatarules

09-07-2002, 03:54 PM

This is from thedigitalbits.com. It gives some good contact info down there:

"Yes... you read that right. The frell-nicks in programming at the Sci-Fi Network have opted out of their just-signed contract for seasons five and six of Farscape at the 11th hour, meaning that after the rest of season four airs in January, the best science fiction show on television is effectively cancelled. The news was announced this evening in a live chat at Sci-Fi.com with series executive producer David Kemper and star Ben Browder. As Jon Stewart might say, "Whhhhhhaaaaaaaaa?"

Now... here at The Bits, we're not normally of the sort to raise a stink about a TV show being cancelled. That's just life, right? And it doesn't really have much to do with DVD (other than the fact that we're all really enjoying the first and second seasons on DVD from ADV, thank you very much). But this one does stick in our collective craw. Now... we recognize that some of you may not care. But if (like us) you do, the show's producers have asked for help in convincing Sci-Fi of the error of their ways. Contact Sci-Fi and politely let them know how you feel.

Sci-Fi's programming department email: program@www.scifi.com
Comment line: 212-413-5577
General Line: 212-413-5000
Address: The Sci-Fi Channel
1230 Avenue of the Americas, F115
New York, NY 10020-1513

And for more information on what you can do, visit this website.

Anyone at UPN or Fox in the mood to pick up an already critically-acclaimed hit show?

Stay tuned..."

-Chris

beaker

09-07-2002, 04:14 PM

First off, this is a big shocker. Why at comic shops and book stores there has been a huge influx of tons of Farscape stuff. Even the monthly magazine(which is one of the best slick glossy magazines next to Star Wars Insider) is available everywhere here. Man...dont know what to say as I dont know the details.

However...I will say perhaps a decision to put Farscape FINALLY on regular tv for the rest of us non cable people could be reached. A decision like that could bring about a whole new fanbase that was never there for those who dont have cable.
In fact, think about it...production values, story, puupetry, animatronics...its beats the pants off any Trek rip or genre action show on regular tv today!

Traveling Matt

09-07-2002, 08:18 PM

Truly sad news...

I was never a big Farscape fan, but have always been supportive of the show because of its relation to JHC.

I will be signing that petition, however.

Here's to a happy ending :(

- Billy :cool:

beaker

09-07-2002, 08:31 PM

>>>I was never a big Farscape fan, but have always been supportive of the show because of its relation to JHC<<<

If it had been on regular tv I would been a huge fan, but the little Ive seen I like it...and beyond that it has to be the best genre sci fi small screen stuff out there. And yes, its relation to JHC.

Cantus Rock

09-07-2002, 10:40 PM

I agree with the idea of having it just go to another channel. Here is my thought:

TNN. Anyone who has been in the entertainment "know" for the last couple of months knows TNN is straying from their country music roots (sorry Byron) and becoming a more eclectic network, showcasing a wide array of shows (I found out because they will be showing a new version of "Ren and Stimpy," which is rock and roll). I think they should snatch up this golden oppertunity while they have the chance! I mean, their ratings will be high as it is from R&S fans, as well as fans of the many other cool shows they will be airing, and to have Farscape in their line-up...they will be set for life. I think this is a very real and good option for the show as well.

Thoughts?

-Matt

matleo

09-08-2002, 04:48 AM

hey gang,
quick update. Was reading the talkbacks at AICN (soemthign I rarely do) and caught a link to a chat transcrip with Anthony Simcoe in which he had the following to say....

"as far as I know Sci Fi wants it - It's EM that sunk it"

At the end of the teranscript the moderator added the following...

"According to Anth it's EM TV (who owns Henson) who pulled out of financing Farscape because of financial problems. SciFi then cancelled the show because they didn't want to take on any further financing as they are in financial trouble as well.

We MUST write to EM TV as well as keep writing to SciFi/Vivendi.

EM.TV & Merchandising AG
Betastr. 11
D-85774 Unterföhring

Telefon: +49 (0) 89 995 00-0
Fax: +49 (0) 89 995 00-111

email: info@em-ag.de

more details at: http://farscape.wdsection.com"

For the full transcript here's the link:

http://community.spacecast.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=001147

So, we have the layoffs of the NY workshop and the sale of the townhouse, Brian Henson stepping down as CEO, the cancellation of Farscape...Hold tight gang, I have a feeling this isn't going to get better.

--Matt

UncleDeadly

09-08-2002, 11:08 AM

I say leave EMTV out of this for now. We need to get SciFi to get the show back fast! A multi-front war may not get what we want done quick enough.

I read today that Anthony Simcoe (D'Argo) reportedly said they dismantled the Pilot character already. Again, this is not confirmed.

And back to EMTV: Again, allegedly, because they are still floundering, they wanted to get more money from the episodes, but the show has been costing more money each season. SciFi/USA Network's parent company hasn't been doing well, and they want more money too. Brian Henson has negotiated all summer long to at least get a 13 episode 5th season to create a real ending to the show, npt a cliffhanger ending like the season 4 ending will likely be.

SciFi's voicemail box is currently full, and their fax machine seems to have stopped working. ^_^ I think all parties involved will find what a mistake has been made come tomorrow morning.

DirthNader

09-08-2002, 01:35 PM

I have a question, though admitedly I know little about the affair. Could this change have anything to do with the sale of JHC and or the resignation of Brian Henson of the position of Chairman of the affore mentioned company?

It seems as though there is a risk of losing JHC forever. Am I worrying for no reason or could I be onto something, here?

Please let me know, those of you who no doubt have more insight into the particulars than I have :(

Chilly Down

09-08-2002, 09:17 PM

Wow. At first I thought this might be a hoax -- Farscape is (was?) their most popular show, and I knew they already had it in their contract to go through
Season 5. But so far as I can tell, this is all legit. Of course SFC would create a loophole for themselves. Probably FS's ratings were hurt after the network took the show off the air with no new episodes for EIGHT MONTHS. What were they thinking?

So once again a show I like is cancelled before its time. And WHY am I supposed to care about watching SFC
again?

All of the above was written before I read the most recent posts, so now I'd like to add this: I disagree with the idea that we should leave EM.TV out of this. If they're the ones unwilling to finance the show, then it's not SFC's fault at all. We've got to talk to the money people. Let's definitely get the word out to EM.TV (who are once again not endearing themselves to me). But PLEASE keep in mind what D.W. and others have said -- express disappointment but be polite!!! They won't listen otherwise. (Why should they?)

This is insane. The show was popular and got acclaim. It won major Saturn awards and has been nominated for Emmys. There are novels and comics and action figures -- heck, a computer game just came out. But of course, the tradition of "Every show I like has to be cancelled before its time" continues. Meanwhile, a bad sci-fi show like Star Trek: Voyager (even hardcore Trek fans hate it) somehow thrives in the ratings and stays on the air for a very healthy seven years. Where's the justice?

Granted, this season wasn't very good, IMHO, in comparison with other seasons. But even a weak Farscape is still better than most other shows. And there were a few bright spots, so I was anticipating that things could get better (especially with that corker cliffhanger two weeks ago). At any rate, networks never cancel a show because of lack of quality. It's either a lack of ratings or a show that costs too much to produce.

I should note that the episode that aired two weeks ago was NOT the final episode. SFC still has 11 episodes of Season 4 to begin airing in January, and those episodes will probably last us till about April or so. It is heartening to hear that the cast/crew hopes to give the story a proper finale in some form, whether it be in the much talked about movie or whatever. Most of the shows I've liked have ended with cliffhangers that have never been resolved.

I feel bad for everyone involved right now, but especially Brian. As Phil said, this show was his baby. Even Anthony Simcoe mentioned how hard Brian fought for it. It's a shame.

At any rate, let's keep up the efforts to let SFC and EM.TV know. There are a LOT of unhappy fans out there right now expressing their opinion, so this story may not be over yet!

UncleDeadly

09-09-2002, 12:22 AM

The reason I say dont focus to much on EMTV is because David Kemper, head producer of Farscape, has said not to. He says it was SciFi's decision to not order any more eps. Although other forces influenced it, they have the say. If they order more, more get made.

Cantus Rock

09-09-2002, 05:20 AM

Is there any reason why TNN (or any other station for that matter) can't start ordering episodes now that the contract with Sci-Fi is broken?

-Matt

Luke

09-09-2002, 06:51 AM

Originally posted by UncleDeadly
The reason I say dont focus to much on EMTV is because David Kemper, head producer of Farscape, has said not to. He says it was SciFi's decision to not order any more eps. Although other forces influenced it, they have the say. If they order more, more get made.

Yeah it appears now it is more a Sci-Fi decision although EMTV had something to do with it and caused problems somewhat. DW has posted what he now hears are the full and true version of events over at Toughpigs - the link to the thread is :- http://forums.delphiforums.com/toughpigs/messages?msg=851.16

Originally posted by Cantus Rock
Is there any reason why TNN (or any other station for that matter) can't start ordering episodes now that the contract with Sci-Fi is broken?

Theoretcally no there isn't. However, Sci-Fi would still own the rights to the first 88 episodes and so any company making new ones wouldn't see any profit for a long, long time - in todays TV climate this makes it very unlikely.

Originally posted by Chilly Down
It's either a lack of ratings or a show that costs too much to produce.

Yup, it's because the show costs more to produce than most others. It has nothing to do with the ratings - the recent programming block Farscape was put in gave them some of the highest ratings ever.

EmmyMik

09-09-2002, 12:07 PM

I just found this article:

http://tv.zap2it.com/news/tvnewsdaily.html?27977

-------------

'Farscape' Journey Comes to an End
Mon, Sep 9, 2002 11:24 AM PDT

by Kate O'Hare
Zap2it

LOS ANGELES (Zap2it.com) - After a roller-coaster ride of e-mails, calls and last-minute financial negotiations, Sci Fi Channel's "Farscape" is officially over.

The series, currently on broadcast hiatus, is due to return in January with the remainder of its fourth-season episodes, but those will be its last. Created by Rockne O'Bannon, it stars American actor Ben Browder as a U.S. astronaut propelled through a wormhole into the far reaches of space, where he forms an alliance with a group of alien fugitives.

Over the last couple of weeks, executive producer Brian Henson of The Jim Henson Company, and Hallmark Entertainment -- the producing partners in "Farscape" -- had been negotiating with Sci Fi Channel in hopes of striking a deal for a fifth season. But with the series' ratings in decline -- in contrast to the rising ratings of "Stargate SG-1," which joined "Farscape" on the Friday-night schedule this summer after several seasons on Showtime -- the cost of continuing production in Australia proved prohibitive.

On Friday, Sept. 6, executive producers David Kemper and Richard Manning, and series star Ben Browder, entered the official Sci Fi Channel chat room and revealed the cancellation directly to fans.

In part, Kemper wrote, "Tuesday will be the last time Ben dons the uniform of Commander John Crichton. We are all hugely sad. I am shaking as I write this. Yesterday, we all cried on the set. ... Being just the people who make the show and not the corporate entities that fund and air it, we are as helpless as anyone. And we are sad. And we are shattered. And we are sorry."

Kemper, Manning and Browder continued to speculate with fans on the future of the show, but didn't seem hopeful about the series finding a new home anywhere else.

Sources at Sci Fi Channel expressed extreme regret about losing the series, which had many strong supporters within the network. In a statement, Sci Fi said, "There are no bigger fans of 'Farscape' than here at Sci Fi Channel. It was one of Sci Fi's first original series and quickly became a critical and fan favorite. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts to reach a broader audience, 'Farscape' has been unable to grow beyond its core fan-base."

"That, coupled with the extreme and growing cost of production, has led to the difficult decision to end the series at the conclusion of season four."

In addition to the remaining new episodes, "Farscape: Season 3" is due for home-video and DVD release in 2003, joining the previous two seasons already available.

Sunshineboz

09-09-2002, 06:47 PM

All's I can say is...

I signed the petition! Every vote counts (or petition signature)!

bluedreamer

09-09-2002, 10:14 PM

Originally posted by Sunshineboz
All's I can say is...

I signed the petition! Every vote counts (or petition signature)!

Me too. It's bad enough they STILL haven't released Season 1 DVD's in Australia (well they did but it was the incorrect region)!!! Rumour has it 9 October Vol 1 and Vol 2 but I ain't getting my hopes up (should have ordered them over the net a long time ago - famous last words).

UncleDeadly

09-11-2002, 04:26 PM

The last episode wrapped filming last night. SciFi spent much of yesterday messing with the official moderator of their on-line chat room. David Kemper came on last night, saying that slowly, very slowly, he is beggining to see that the fans support is having an effect. I wasn't in the chat, I just read a summary of it, so I dont know any details.

It has also come out that scifi's press release on monday on the issue only came out because the fans leaked the info to the press, and they would look like bigger fools if they said nothing at all. Sets are being boxed up, not destroyed. SciFi figures fans will only last a week or two on their crusade, then give up. But of course, letting the fan community know this has only made their efforts become more far reaching.

Thanks to all of you for your petition signings, and for keeping an eye on news sites.

matleo

09-11-2002, 08:57 PM

hey gang,
I was just over at AICN and somoneo posted this phone #. it 's a message box that JHC has set-up for fans for the "Save FArscape' effort. Call with your thoughts on the series if you get a chance.

Farscape Cancellation line at Jim Henson Productions. 323-802-1609

--Matt

Cantus Rock

09-11-2002, 11:42 PM

Awesome, good post Matt. I'm going to call first thing tomorrow.

-Matt

melissa

09-16-2002, 03:51 AM

farscape is best TV SERIES EVER!!!!!!!! have they through making the farscape the movie? THat would be very insterting.

ps. They should stay on :)
melissa :D

Cantus Rock

09-16-2002, 12:51 PM

They supposedly have a movie and an anime series 'in progress'. That probably means it won't come out for a very long time, or just wont come out at all.

-Matt

beaker

09-16-2002, 04:08 PM

>>>They supposedly have a movie and an anime series 'in progress'. That probably means it won't come out for a very long time, or just wont come out at all<<<

A movie AND an anime? That is just way to cool. I hope they can go full steam ahead on those.

Cantus Rock

09-16-2002, 10:18 PM

As do I. I think an anime would be good for that type of show. Gives the storylines more room to go crazy. I'd be really interested in seeing some of the characters in anime form also.

Yeah, hopefully they'll get going on the projects, but something tells me if they do it will be a good while before anything is released. You know how it works with these entertainment people.

-Matt

matleo

09-17-2002, 07:53 AM

I don't know if you saw my post here on MC or on toughpigs, but apparently Sci-fi has also re-entered discussions to renew the show possibly as a mini-series. So there is still hope. Keep those phone calls coming.

--Matt

beaker

09-17-2002, 04:56 PM

>>>but apparently Sci-fi has also re-entered discussions to renew the show possibly as a mini-series. So there is still hope. Keep those phone calls coming<<<

Aw, the power of fans!

Though I have a few questions:

*Where is the rally of fans to bring Farscape reruns to regular tv?
It seems Farscape would have infinitely more fans if it could be viewed by everyone, not just people who have cable(this goes back to the Fraggle Rock debate)

*Where is the rally of the fans to have them make a movie?
think how mind blowingly cool Farscaoe would be on the big screen with a nice budget?

It's strange Farscape got cancelled, with a recent rise in its profile via a upcoming video game, nice monthly magazine, etc.

Cantus Rock

09-17-2002, 09:38 PM

A mini-series? Um, I dunno about anyone else, but I think that is kind of a direct blow to the stomachs of the fans (whether it was intentional or not is not really the point, btw). I mean, think about it:

"We're not taking your show back, but we will give you a nice lil' mini-series! How's that sound?"

Its like "We've got the ability to buy the CD that we know you all want, but instead were going to get 1 track. Cool?"

-Matt

AtlantaScaper

09-18-2002, 07:37 PM

Hallo, thought I'd come to the source and see if there was any news. I think you can tell by my name why I'm here. (Although I think Kami is brilliant for Africa, ruddy brilliant.)

Anyway, to address a few points...

1) The reruns. We would LOVE to get reruns. But you don't get reruns until you get syndication, and you don't get syndication until you get 100 episodes. Sci Fi has so thoughtfully shut us down at 88.

2) A full blown movie has been mentioned, and yes, it would be great, but, it wouldn't make a lot of sense to someone who hasn't been following the series. At this point, however, we'll take what we can get.

3) Miniseries. Yup, and you should just SEE the patronizing message Sci Fi has for us at their Farscape page now. Grrrr...ah well. If they use it to at least try to get it to a reasonable conclusion...I guess we'll have to take it. We're trying for better, though.

Hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst, I think you might say. We were hoping for a chat tonight, but the server was somewhat discombobulated. Where there's life, there's hope, and there's still 11 eps to go! Henson isn't giving up on us, and there's no way we're giving up on Henson!

Cat
www.atlantascapers.com

Chilly Down

09-18-2002, 08:18 PM

Actually, 100 is preferable, but series can go into syndication with only 88 episodes. Sliders has been run in daily reruns, and it only totals 88 episodes. In fact, Quantum Leap was sold after only 75 episodes. (Its final season added an additional 22 episodes to that number, close to but still not quite a full 100.) Ironically, Sci-Fi might have been more willing to consider going for another season of FS if they didn't have enough episodes. Because, at 88, they had just enough -- that was a factor in Sci-Fi deciding not to bother.

Because of the "Atlanta" in your name, I have to ask: have you been to Dragon*Con? I'm part of the staff that helped to run the Farscape programming for the last couple of years (though not this past year).

AtlantaScaper

09-19-2002, 11:09 AM

Unfortunately a parental unit visitation stopped me from going. But I heard from several people who did go at the Farscape Rally the following weekend who said it was incredible. One guy (arg, I can't remember his name) also worked on it. Apparently the Farscape contributions to DragonCon are wonderful!

And excellent news about the syndication. Currently there's a branch of the Save Farscape campaign called "Free 88!" that is geared towards getting Sci Fi to release the previous 88 episodes along with the rest of the show. Showtime is looking like a good candidate, they've had a very good relationship with Sci Fi (Stargate SG-1, etc.), and so is UPN.

When I read this full thread, I was very touched by all the support for Farscape by everyone. I've been getting treated as one of those scary obsessed fans that get so much coverage at Star Trek and Star Wars conventions, so positive outlooks by non-Scapers is very much needed.

Brian Henson and Rockne O'Bannon have created something magical with Farscape, that carries on the tradition of such movies like The Dark Crystal (own it) and Labyrinth (own MUCH paraphernalia about and it) and the other wonderful things to come from Henson. My daughter adores Bear and we have more Fraggle books than I can count.

One of the things that is so aggravating about this entire scenario is the seeming underhanded and backstabbing way Sci Fi has gone about the entire thing. The reason became all too evident yesterday when they released an article about the "retooling" of Sci Fi. No more space based shows, no more hard fantasy. They're gearing it towards "science fiction based but more humanly identifiable shows" like Crossing Over, Fact or Fiction, The Dead Zone, etc. In fact, they're getting ready to heavily promote their new show Dream Team, which is about a team of dream analysts interpreting viewer dreams.

In other words, (to be snotty about it) it won't be Sci Fi anymore, it will be Lifetime for Nerds. (being a nerd, myself, this is not intended as an insult.)

I'm just waiting for them to offer a show to Miss Cleo and Dionne Warwick. *sigh*

/rant off

Sorry for the length, but as I said, it's marvellous to have a support that's not solely consisting of Scapers as a sounding board.

Thanks again,
Cat

Phillip Chapman

09-19-2002, 07:40 PM

Sci-Fi posted this Farscape FAQ today... Let us know what you think. Looks like the sets will be destroyed tomorrow.

http://www.scifi.com/farscape/faq/

Cantus Rock

09-19-2002, 09:13 PM

Thank you Captain Chapman, I enjoyed reading this FAQ. Here are my thoughts:

I really would like to believe all the friendly, "were so sorry to see ya go" stuff that was posted there, but frankly, there is too much back-patting in the answers to have a good standing with me. Now granted I don't know much about the series, the ratings and whatnot, but I do know this; when there is that much pleasantry in a letter regarding a subject that negitively affects a large amount of people, there is amost always an underbelly of evil. I sense that in this case.

Maybe I'm wrong, and maybe Sci-Fi is totally saddened by ending of their most popular series, but I just can't believe it. I'm going to be very sad tomorrow when the sets come crashing down, and in its honor, I will wear red. I feel very bad now, so I will go lie down and read some comic books.

-Matt

AtlantaScaper

09-20-2002, 06:25 AM

Personally, to use Farscaperisms, it's a load of frelling dren. I think it's pretty obvious what the slang means. ;)

However, this is a serious matter, considering that Skiffy (Sci Fi) thinks we're all idiots.

That being the case, I went through the FAQ and presented my thoughts on it question by question in what I hope was a logical and methodical manner.

It's hideously long, so I didn't want to post it here, instead, I put it at my site. You can get to it by going here:

www.atlantascapers.com/scififaq.html

There was a chat with David Kemper, and to a lesser degree, Rick Berman last night. DK is tired, worn out, and heartsick. I can't blame him. They've done all they can do. We have to get at least 60 Neilsen families to watch Farscape when it comes on in January, and watch it consistently. If we get a 2.0 in the ratings, I think other networks will negotiate to continue Farscape. If we don't, then the entire series ends with the Season 4 cliffhanger. (Farscape seasons always end with hellacious cliffhangers).

Many, many Scapers are very disheartened by the chat last night. They were expecting a rah rah rally the troop kind of thing, and got the exact opposite. But the way I see it, it's our turn to inspire Kemper & Co, not the other way around.

I know a lot of you here love him, so drop an email his way and tell him what a great guy he is, tell him he's doing a great job and to not give up. I think he needs it. I think they all need it.

Thanks again, ya'll.

Cat

2.0 in 2003!

Cantus Rock

09-21-2002, 12:24 AM

Well, although I'm not in the Neilson family, I am in the Charles family, and we will be watching in 03 garunteed (little joke there...yes, I know about the Neilson ratings and whatnot). I mean, I think its a fun show, but I was never a huge crazed maniac over it. I shall watch for those who are, and for Brian Henson. He must be a very sad man at this point. :(

-Matt

beaker

09-23-2002, 11:54 AM

I'm so grateful for the new Sci Fi FAQ, as now we can all laugh and make fun of Sci Fi higher ups.

Let's rip this apart shall we...

>>>Q: How can you call Farscape a "beloved show" and still cancel it?

A: Despite what many seem to believe, those who work at SCI FI Channel truly love Farscape.<<<<

That's why they pulled a Enron World com and suddenly yanked the carpet out on their baby?

>>>Q: Didn't you hurt the ratings by changing Farscape's time period?

A: Farscape was moved to the 10pm spot in the hopes that new SCI FI viewers tuning into the debut of Stargate SG-1 would stay around to sample Farscape and become hooked on the show<<<

Nice political dodging there. Basically, what they dont want to outright say is "yeah, we messed up big time"

>>>Q: Why won't SCI FI Channel release Farscape to another network? Wouldn't that save the show?

A: SCI FI has not been approached to release Farscape to another network. From what we understand, despite efforts otherwise, there was no deal possibility for the show at any other network.<<<

I can answer why...because Sci Fi has a if I cant have it noone will. Most shows move from another network TO Sci Fi.(like Sliders did) However, Stargate SGI-1 is on regular tv late at night. Why cant sci Fi start showing the first season on say UPN, WB, or Fox late at night? If they did, they would open up a HUGE new untapped market. Not everyone has cable. And it would sure beat the pants off those relic hunting busty agent xena clones.

>>>Q: Have the sets been destroyed?

A: Although they were initially scheduled to be struck during the week of September 9, SCI FI Channel requested a reprieve as any possibility of saving the series was explored. Unfortunately, we understand that the sets will now be struck by Friday, September 20<<<

Wow...I'd love to hear what cast members and Brian Henson himself thinks of all this Farcsape being cancelled business.

As for the sets being destroyed...since the fans WERE sci fi, not so much the sci fi higer ups it seems, they should auction off the pieces, or sell to another network to continue it, or something.
Send em to Creature Shop, etc.