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Post by Blue Sunflower on Jun 3, 2009 11:18:03 GMT -5
nickctv.wordpress.com/2009/06/03/reaper-dead
From Nick:
REAPER DEAD? Maybe. More than likely. If it is coming back it will be without Tyler Labine. My guess is that late last week, likely Friday they were forced to let some people out of their contracts. Then they told the Affiliates who were requesting contracts “we sold the show to cable,” because whomever decided a lie was better than “sorry we lead you on.”
Friday was May 29th. Three days earlier on May 26th, Tyler posted on Facebook (I've highlighted the pertinent portions):
reaperdmv.com/index.cgi?board=tyler&action=display&thread=80&page=2#7068
Hey Reaper gang. I have no official news for you. The rumor mill is in full swing and most of it is true. What is not true is that I "left" the show. I love Reaper and would kill to do another season of this show we all love so well. The only problem is that the CW is NOT picking it up and our creators have left the show. This means that a syndicated network would be our only hope. In which case our budget would be cut drastically and our writing staff would be almost completely switched out. The only thing that would stay the same would be the name and our lovely faces. Because of this our contracts will be null and void and new ones will be put forth. They will not be good, I assure you. Bret and I have officially withdrawn from doing a show that is a shell of the show we have come to adore I can't speak for any one else but I bet it would be the same for the rest of the core cast.. This is honestly nothing more than a death rattle for good ol' team Reaps. I wish it was more believe me. I think you guys would rather go out loving a great show than slowly watching it twitch, slow and ultimately die. These are just my opinions keep in mind but I have been dealing with the drama for months now. I hope you guys all enjoyed the show and my fingers are still crossed that some miracle happens and doing another season becomes feasible. That would tickle my fancy. Love you all. You are the best fans a show could ever have. I mean that. Be well. Keep checking in. I will.
Tyler Labine.
I addressed a few of his inaccuracies (but not all, such as the creators still staying involved and the oddity that "they'd get new contracts" when all reports are that no matter what happened in regards to renewal, their Reaper contracts tied them to the show) at ReaperDMV. You can see my response here.
Leaving aside the inaccuracies from Tyler's above post, I will mention that this is not the only time recently Tyler has insisted he would stay with the show. On May 13th he left this post at End of Show:
www.endofshow.com/2009/05/13/breaking-fox-picks-up-sons-of-tucson-reaper-officially-over/
First of all this is Tyler Labine. Second, you have no idea what you’re talking about. I love Reaper, I love shooting the show and I have bent over backwards to promote the show. There are a lot of things that happened to Reaper along the way that indicated we were going to be cancelled a long time ago but I still gave it everything I’ve got. I’m an actor, that’s what I do, when another opportunity comes along to keep acting, I take it. I am still attached to do Reaper if it comes back and part of me still really hopes it does. I would gladly go back for another season( even if you just want me killed ) It’s hard to thrilled about doing a show that your own network doesn’t believe in. I only told people not to hold their breath on MY facebook reaper page that I started because I initially put up a much more positive post and got told by the network heads to take it down and that i had no right or permission to speak on a 3rd season. I fucking hate small minded people like you who have no clue what it’s like to be in this industry but are so quick to spit venom at us. Also, yeah, I am very aware that the story line with Eriko was not great, I have no control over what gets written for me. I just have to do the best with what they give me. In short, if Reaper comes back, I’m there with bells on (sorry) and if it doesn’t I made a smart move and worked hard to get another job in the meantime. If that makes me some kind of asshole in your eyes I’m confused. Don’t damn my new show just because you’re not happy with the way the CW has handled all this. It has nothing to do with me.
If you still want Reaper to continue, even without Tyler, we are still recommending the same old strategy: Write - especially to ABC. We know the CW affiliates are still interested in purchasing the show.
All information and addresses here: community.livejournal.com/reaperdmv/49763.html
Stay tuned, we will continue to keep you posted, particularly since none of today's news even remotely matches with Jenny Wade's early tweets yesterday:
www.cliqueclack.com/tv/2009/06/02/reaper-90-likely-to-live-on-at-syfy/As always, keep in mind there is still NO official confirmation about anything.
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Post by cko on Jun 3, 2009 11:36:02 GMT -5
Well, I'm game to keep writing. Uh. That's all I have to say right now. Sounds like it will be a last-minute save, if anything. Keep your spirits up, people! Remember last year we thought we were cancelled, too!
ETA: I'm still up for Staring Reality in the Face and Saying No.
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Post by gizmodvd on Jun 3, 2009 12:48:22 GMT -5
Can't blame Tyler - The CW pretty much 'canceled' Reaper when they moved it right in front of American Idol's path and barely promoted it. If I was him I'd be looking for new work to. Remember, this is the same guy who promoted the hell out of Season 1 (more so than any other actor on the show). If he wants out (or forced so) so be it. They could easily kill his character off, write him out, or have someone (new big bad) kidnap him and give Sam a reason to work for the Devil (get clues on where he is). If Sons of Tuscon fails (it is on Fox) he has an option to go back.
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Post by pacejunkie on Jun 3, 2009 12:59:33 GMT -5
Send Sock to hell. That would work. They could communicate by mobile and Tyler could make a guest appearance at the end of the season. It could be a long arc with Tyler not needed.
Anyway, his posts are confusing because on the one hand he says he's commited to the show if it continues, but then on the other he says he and Bret have "officially withdrawn" due to inferior contract terms and a new writing staff. So which is it? Obviously if Bret doesn't return there is no show, but this is the first I've heard of him in any of these discussions. And someone tell me why the writers would all be replaced? It's the same production company so what does the syndication have to do with anything?
I also thought with Reaper's budget already being quite low that syndication would hardly make a difference.
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Post by Blue Sunflower on Jun 3, 2009 13:04:02 GMT -5
Can't blame Tyler - The CW pretty much 'canceled' Reaper when they moved it right in front of American Idol's path and barely promoted it. Personally, I can blame him - especially given his attitude lately. However, there *is* always this post of his written shortly before he took the SOT job: I'm not arguing with that. But things are not the same now as they were back then when he went out to look for work. I think Ray wins that award. Bret did a hell of a lot too. I agree, let Tyler go. For me it means more show since I will no longer have to fast-forward through his scenes. What personally angers me though, is A) this whole notion that EVERYTHING hinges on Tyler - and that it's him and him alone that decides the fate of the show; B) his whole attitude about it - which got oddly negative and completely against the grain of everyone else when SOT was picked up and the Save Reaper campaign started looking like it might be successful; C)...just, a lot. Man needs to learn diplomacy. Let me just say that I don't think he has handled himself, his fans, his Reaper cast and crew mates, or the Reaper fandom in general very well. |
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Post by gizmodvd on Jun 3, 2009 13:10:21 GMT -5
Can't blame Tyler - The CW pretty much 'canceled' Reaper when they moved it right in front of American Idol's path and barely promoted it. Personally, I can blame him - especially given his attitude lately. However, there *is* always this post of his written shortly before he took the SOT job: But we (fans) pretty much knew Season 2 was it. CW ordered it because Dawn really had no choice (good ratings and would look bad to can it) but the way they did not promote it and 'sexed' it up was bad. Nina is a great addition to the show but Socks step-sis? Sams brother? Sams dad being a zombie? Meh. Tyler took a job because he wanted to work - and I would too if the CW didn't believe in the show. IF the show continues I don't think Tyler will be in it (or make a few appearances). If a cable network gets it they are likely to make some budget cuts and getting rid of Tyler would make sense (and could be very explainable). |
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nickc
Fallen Angel
Posts: 12
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Post by nickc on Jun 3, 2009 13:26:16 GMT -5
well since Tyler let the cat out of the bag, I'm sure my source won't get in trouble. Bret Harrison has been let out too. Of course he hasn't signed a new gig. Maybe they have to sign new contracts and that is what is holding everything up. If that is the case, neither guys knew of a new contract offer last night.
Which may be the holdup. They may have a cable network lined up, and now they're dealing with Producers and a show runner, then they'll sign the talent, then they'll sign the deal, and announce.
If it's dead we should know today, if it's not we should know today, and if it's not I take that as meaning they're hunting for a show runner.
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Post by Blue Sunflower on Jun 3, 2009 13:36:58 GMT -5
Personally, I can blame him - especially given his attitude lately. However, there *is* always this post of his written shortly before he took the SOT job: But we (fans) pretty much knew Season 2 was it. CW ordered it because Dawn really had no choice (good ratings and would look bad to can it) but the way they did not promote it and 'sexed' it up was bad. Nina is a great addition to the show but Socks step-sis? Sams brother? Sams dad being a zombie? Meh. Tyler took a job because he wanted to work - and I would too if the CW didn't believe in the show. Sorry gizmodvd I forgot to add this: Tyler's initial Facebook post: reaperdmv.com/index.cgi?board=tyler&action=display&thread=279And I would also have to argue that no, we fans really knew nothing. It's been a continual disconnect between the numerous shenanigans and how the show ACTUALLY performed. I will agree, however, that Dawn wanted the show to die. But there's a VAST difference between what Dawn wants and how Reaper actually performed - particularly given the standard the CW itself set when it leaked out that Privileged was being reconsidered for possible renewal. Let me just say that logic was NOT involved with the CW's decision to cancel Reaper. At least not Earth logic. But this is digressing and I am too tired to really think out my thoughts on this issue and write them coherently. It's also distracting me from the task at hand. If you want to get back into this later - or anyone else wants to keep it up, how 'bout we move everything to the Tyler board? reaperdmv.com/index.cgi?board=tylerThe show already works on a minimal budget. No way didn't the CW order that when it got picked up for midseason. It's also been shown on the show itself. Really, whatever special effects they've had have been insanely basic, and really kept to near nothing. Compare it to say Charmed, Buffy, or Angel. And also Nick's already said the show is dirt cheap too. |
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Post by Blue Sunflower on Jun 3, 2009 13:39:57 GMT -5
Bret Harrison has been let out too. You have *got* to be kidding me. Although: Damn. Tell Bret's agent to read this board.  I do need to sleep and work at some point. </sighs> |
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Post by gizmodvd on Jun 3, 2009 13:41:46 GMT -5
I don't think Dawn had any choice but to renew Reaper because The CW was still so new and shiny and they didn't want something with high ratings being canned making her look bad. Now it looks like Les is giving her full run to do whatever she wants so now she can get rid of stuff that does not fit The CW mold. Shame since Reaper is a fantastic show.
Almost all shows are trimming additional fat even if they did the previous season. No reason to think another network wouldn't want to do the same, again, when taking such a big risk. How many shows have went from Network TV to Cable?
But enough talk! Let's get this show picked up!
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Post by Blue Sunflower on Jun 3, 2009 13:42:43 GMT -5
Also, Nick's comments from his blog: Ok, more than one was let of their contracts. It isn’t because they want out, it’s because their agents want to keep them employed. Only Labine has a deal in the works and we’ve known about that for months.
I also don’t know if they were let out, or given permission to pursue other works. If you’ve ever seen ENTOURAGE you may understand why I don’t know. The talent are sometimes clueless to how things work.
They were also let out a while ago, which means that they continued to shop it after, so I’m not certain it means it’s dead. I know James Hibberd and others are now looking into it and trying to get confirmation. If so they’ll write an obituary piece on the show, and we can all move on.
If they can’t find that info then maybe they’ll find out what is really going on. Either way we should know something today. Oops. To clarify, I was talking about Season Two in my post, not Season One. W to the O to the R to the D. |
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Post by mmmpeanutbutter on Jun 3, 2009 14:43:44 GMT -5
Wow, how could things go from so promising to depressing in one day. Ugh. So what's the plan? Should I just keep emailing ABC?
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Post by Blue Sunflower on Jun 3, 2009 14:45:59 GMT -5
Wow, how could things go from so promising to depressing in one day. Ugh. So what's the plan? Should I just keep emailing ABC? Yes. And your CW affiliate, especially if you want the show to continue without Tyler. They may be leery of purchasing if they know he is unavailable, so we need to let them know we don't care. |
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Post by motherbear on Jun 3, 2009 15:17:01 GMT -5
OK, I forwarded the email from our CW affiliate to James Hibberd as requested. LUCK TO THE CAUSE!! (And maybe a little heavenly intervention too.)
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Post by cko on Jun 3, 2009 15:29:15 GMT -5
Just want to say, it's really fantastic and heart warming to see all this work and energy going toward this cause. You guys are all fantastic. (And, blue and others, sorry I'm so in and out today. I'll do anything needed, but it needs to be patchy until tonight.)
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chip
Fallen Angel
Me with Missy Peregrym
Posts: 25
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Post by chip on Jun 3, 2009 15:40:33 GMT -5
It is encouraging to know, that in times of great strife, different groups of people from different backgrounds and philosophies can band together in common purpose, stand fast before an oncoming tsunami, and keep fighting. Whether we find victory at the end of this long battle, or taste the bitterness of defeat, those of us who survive should be proud of all we done together. When we are only but bones deep beneath the earth, and our names are long forgotten, people will still speak of the show called "Reaper." That will be our legacy. And it is a fine one.
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Post by mmmpeanutbutter on Jun 3, 2009 16:03:29 GMT -5
Okay, I just emailed two different CW affiliates, since I go between the two. I specifically mentioned Labine, even though I hope he does come back. Hope it helps.
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Post by Blue Sunflower on Jun 3, 2009 16:14:37 GMT -5
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Post by Blue Sunflower on Jun 3, 2009 16:17:05 GMT -5
Okay, I just emailed two different CW affiliates, since I go between the two. I specifically mentioned Labine, even though I hope he does come back. Hope it helps. Since I'm Tribune, I'm also gonna email them too. |
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Post by mmmpeanutbutter on Jun 3, 2009 16:27:19 GMT -5
Funny thing, when I was checking out the CW sites, I decided to take a peak at what the forums over there were saying. Guess what I found? You are all over the place BlueS. I thought just emailing the affiliates was exhausting, and your working two different Forums (More?) urging posters over there to help out too.
Props to you...
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Post by Blue Sunflower on Jun 3, 2009 17:03:17 GMT -5
Pace - why don't you try emailing Bret? Maybe he'll respond.
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Post by kagari on Jun 3, 2009 17:58:11 GMT -5
New here, but I emailed my affiliate, signed the petition, and preordered season 2. I really REALLY don't want this series to go away  |
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Post by pacejunkie on Jun 3, 2009 18:07:28 GMT -5
Pace - why don't you try emailing Bret? Maybe he'll respond. But it sounds like the cast doesn't know anything. ETA: Whatever. I wrote him anyway. |
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Post by cko on Jun 3, 2009 18:22:00 GMT -5
Thanks pace, and welcome, kalgari! Thanks for joining us in this fight! You've done so much already. We're all writing, posting, scanning, and waiting to see which way this will go. Nick just posted this on his blog:
Author: Nick C
Comment:
We'll know if nobody reports it dead today that they couldn't get enough confirmation to declare it dead. Which means something is still kicking.
So that means we DON'T want news? Heh. Wild ride.
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Post by kagari on Jun 3, 2009 18:44:08 GMT -5
I'm curious to know just how much of an influence fans are having on this.
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Post by mmmpeanutbutter on Jun 3, 2009 18:45:49 GMT -5
Hm, can you guys tell me if I'm writing these emails correctly, or maybe I'm misunderstanding something. I sent this to my local CW stations:
"I'm writing this to tell you that I love the show "Reaper." I know that the CW has canceled the show, but that individual ABC affiliates can still pick it up for Sundays. I encourage you to do this. I heard that Tyler Labine may not come back as "Sock," and while his character is great, I would still want another season if he can't return. My whole family watches the show, and we catch each new episode as it airs. If you do pick it up, my parents, my brother, and I will tell all our friends to catch it on your network."
and I got this.
"Thank you for your comments. Should that option become available, we will consider your request. As of right now, we have not been told it will be available.
Sincerely,
Jessica Stephens
Local Sales Assistant"
Not really what I expected. Not sure what I did expect, but not that I guess... Admittedly I sound like a 3rd grader there, but I had just woken up, so if I phrased things weird that would be why. Otherwise does it look okay?
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Post by Blue Sunflower on Jun 3, 2009 19:14:39 GMT -5
Hm, can you guys tell me if I'm writing these emails correctly, or maybe I'm misunderstanding something. I sent this to my local CW stations: "I'm writing this to tell you that I love the show "Reaper." I know that the CW has canceled the show, but that individual ABC affiliates can still pick it up for Sundays. I encourage you to do this. I heard that Tyler Labine may not come back as "Sock," and while his character is great, I would still want another season if he can't return. My whole family watches the show, and we catch each new episode as it airs. If you do pick it up, my parents, my brother, and I will tell all our friends to catch it on your network." and I got this. "Thank you for your comments. Should that option become available, we will consider your request. As of right now, we have not been told it will be available. Sincerely, Jessica Stephens Local Sales Assistant" Not really what I expected. Not sure what I did expect, but not that I guess... Admittedly I sound like a 3rd grader there, but I had just woken up, so if I phrased things weird that would be why. Otherwise does it look okay? That seems to me to confirm the reports that ABC sent out the letter saying the show had been sold to cable and was not available to the affiliates. Keep up the writing though, in case ABC changes their mind. Remember guys - 1 of 2 things are happening here: 1. Someone(s) or something is lying. When a decision is made official, that'll be pretty easy to figure out. 2. No one is lying, and something else is going on. That means the show has been sold to cable, and they are going without Tyler. |
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nickc
Fallen Angel
Posts: 12
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Post by nickc on Jun 3, 2009 19:39:56 GMT -5
Well James Hibberd has confirmed to me that it isn't dead.
So we wait, and I'll be waiting in a resort spa and incommunicado. I may post to my site in a reply via BlackBerry but anything else is going to be difficult and I'll be majorly incommunicado.
So everyone still cross your fingers, toes, eyes, whatever helps.
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Post by cko on Jun 3, 2009 19:59:03 GMT -5
Nick, a spa?? Cool. Thanks for the update, it's good news as far as I'm concerned. Stay incommunicado and you cross whatever you cross in a hot tub. Enjoy and hope you come back to even more good news.
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nickc
Fallen Angel
Posts: 12
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Post by nickc on Jun 3, 2009 20:12:53 GMT -5
Well it's a resort spa. Some of my colleagues and I go annually and for some reason they planned this years escape during the PGA event which I'll fly and catch 1 day of on Saturday, then it's back home for Sunday.
They have a nice golf course there too. It's also Cape Cod, so sailing, etc.
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