And speaking of Gallifrey One… I’m off! See you guys at 1:25pm in Los Angeles!

I used this clip in my discussion sections of Introduction to Music and Film Sound this morning. Watching them struggle with making their arguments about what’s happening in the clip was really interesting. Many focused on diegetic vs. nondiegetic. Some of them tried to argue one way or another, and some couldn’t. The point being … you can make an argument for neither/both in this clip. As long as you qualify your argument and make your point clearly and meaningfully we will be happy! I also made the point to them that they can talk about expectations caused by convention, and discuss how this clip subverts them. When “Cupid” starts playing, it’s safe to assume that there is an audio advance going on. But as soon as she looks up and starts singing you retroactively realize there wasn’t an advance, and that some kind of audio dissolve occurred. Or maybe the subverted audio advance was itself a dissolve? I don’t even know. But it made for interesting discussion in class today.

Also, this clip is cool because it has what I consider a “visual audiodissolve.” When Ripley stops singing as he sees the pin, we’re given a visual indication that the song has dissolved out and the performance is ending. Very cool. “The Boy With a Thorn in His Side” does the same thing at the beginning. When the dancers start moving in the background we’re given a visual clue that a performance is about to begin. They could have easily used the song just as underscoring, and again, convention let’s us feel safe about that assumption, but the dancers indicate that it is a performance and not underscoring or an audio advance.

Sometimes I feel like complicated examples are easier to use in discussion than straightforward ones. Well, at least they’re more interesting.

Day 01- A show that should have never been canceled
Day 02 – A show that you wish more people were watching
Day 03 – Your favorite new show ( aired this t.v season)
Day 04 – Your favorite show ever
Day 05 – A show you hate
Day 06 – Favorite episode of your favorite t.v show
Day 07 – Least favorite episode of your favorite t.v show
Day 08 – A show everyone should watch
Day 09 – Best scene ever
Day 10 – A show you thought you wouldn’t like but ended up loving
Day 11 – A show that disappointed you
Day 12 – An episode you’ve watched more than 5 times
Day 13 – Favorite childhood show
Day 14 – Favorite male character
Day 15 – Favorite female character
Day 16 – Your guilty pleasure show
Day 17 – Favorite mini series
Day 18 – Favorite title sequence
Day 19 – Best t.v show cast
Day 20 – Favorite kiss
Day 21 – Favorite ship
Day 22 – Favorite series finale
Day 23 – Most annoying character
Day 24 – Best quote
Day 25 – A show you plan on watching (old or new)
Day 26 – OMG WTF? Season finale
Day 27 – Best pilot episode
Day 28 – First t.v show obsession
Day 29 – Current t.v show obsession
Day 30 – Saddest character death

Stay tuned for 30 days of tv goodness, peppered with my current and past obsessions, new interests, and a few bits of insight.

I mean, if I’m going to be writing a dissertation on a tv show I should probably engage with my interests, likes/dislikes, preferences, and tastes in shows to get the gears going, right?

I’ve been a big fan of yours for, well, for as long as I can remember. My late night routine was Letterman and then flipping over to your Late Night show. I remember you going off air while you moved to LA and being SO SAD that I had to wait until June. And how we have to wait again … until September! And who knows where you’ll be!

You’ve gotta find a way to come back to us, Conan. Maybe a free webcast of you just doing zany, goofy stuff? On YouTube or something? They’ll let you do that, right?

I feel like I’ve grown up with you, so it’s very strange to not have you around on TV. I guess I’ll have to try to fill the void by watching old Late Night clips online.

Come back soon. I miss you.

Love,
ek

Some of his best work was during the hayday of The Simpsons, when he was a producer and writer. He spent time with the show from 1991-93, and penned some of the best and most memorable episodes in the show’s history.

I was going to come out and say “Here is his best episode EVAR” but you know what? I’m just going to put all four of them here and let you watch. I’ll tell you which one I think is best (and why) next week.

S4E08: “New Kid on the Block”

The Simpsons 408

S4E12: “Marge vs. the Monorail”

The Simpsons 412

S5E03: “Homer Goes to College”

The Simpsons 503

S5E05: “Treehouse of Horror IV”

The Simpsons 505

Although the thought of Conan going off the air makes me a sad panda, I have to say that I’d love to see him get back to writing again. More Conan-penned Simpsons episodes (maybe a Conan-penned Futurama episode!) would be incredible. And the show could definitely benefit from it, as the last 10 seasons have been slowly sliding down a narrow hill.

So sometime last week it was reported that Fox was recasting the main voice talent of Futurama for its re-launch on Comedy Central in 2010. Naturally I was literally angry with rage. Here is the first bit I saw online about it:

When the “Futurama” characters come back for new episodes on Comedy Central in mid-2010, they may sound different.

That is because producing studio 20th TV is proceeding with auditioning new actors for the roles after failing to reach an agreement with the original voice cast: John DiMaggio, Maurice LaMarche, Billy West, Tress MacNeille and Katey Sagal.

“We love the ‘Futurama’ voice performers and absolutely wanted to use them, but unfortunately, we could not meet their salary demands,” the studio said in a statement Friday. “While replacing these talented actors will be difficult, the show must go on.”

Back in June when 20th TV and Comedy Central announced a deal to produce 26 new episodes of “Futurama,” the producers noted that no deals with the show’s original voice cast had been closed but expressed confidence that all of them would return.

When, under similar circumstances another canceled Fox/20th TV animated series, “Family Guy,” was resurrected with a pickup of new episodes by Adult Swim in 2005, the show’s entire voice cast came back for what is described as approximately the same salaries they were paid when “Guy” aired on Fox from 1999-2002.

The cast of “Futurama,” which ran on Fox from 1999-2002, are said to have been offered modest pay increases but have insisted for bumps of several times what they used to make.

However, on “Family Guy,” creator Seth MacFarlane voices the key characters, while the entire cast of “Futurama,” like that of “The Simpsons,” consists of outside actors.

Matt Groening, who co-created “Futurama” with David X. Cohen, knows a thing or two about voice casts standoffs.

The “Simpsons” creator had gone through a series of bruising renegotiations with the actors on the long-running Fox series.

Just like the current scuttle on “Futurama,” in 1998 20th TV hired casting directors to recast the actors on “The Simpsons.” A deal was ultimately reached.

In 2004 and 2008, the series’ seasons were cut short after the “Simpsons” voice cast boycotted table reads as part of the tense salary negotiations.

Despite the salary disputes, “Simpsons” reached the 20-season mark with its original voice cast intact.

With “Futurama,” there also is a possibility that the two sides would come to an agreement.

In the meanwhile, it’s going to be rough for the casting directors assigned to find replacement actors who have already started to receive threats from fans of the show.

The topic of the actors’ recasting is expected to be addressed during the “Futurama” panel 20th TV will hold during the upcoming Comic-Con which will include Groening and Cohen.

Source.

Any search for Futurama now will come up with TONS of news about this. Fans have been outraged since the second this started to spread. A petition was created. Word was spread through Facebook, Twitter, and just tons of other social networking sites all over the web.

The general consensus has been that this is a negotiation ploy by Fox, attempting to get the incredibly talented and well-deserving voice actors to lower their contract requests. Which they shouldn’t. They are all incredible and make that show what it is. Which is amazing, if you didn’t know.

This week, however, is the San Diego Comic Con, which will be having a Futurama Panel on Saturday afternoon. A nugget of hope popped up in the official program description, which reads as follows:

1:00-1:45 Futurama: Life or Death?!
Be a part of sci-fi history! Join executive producers Matt Groening and David X. Cohen, and stars Billy West, Katey Sagal, John DiMaggio, and Maurice LaMarche for high-stakes thrills as a top-ranking FOX executive decides live, on stage, whether Futurama will make yet another triumphant return or whether it is gone forever! The very fate of Futurama hangs in the balance! Paramedics will be st anding by in case the intense excitement causes any panelists to collapse. Raucous celebration or abject despair to follow the news. Ballroom 20

So was this all a brilliant marketing ploy by Fox? Build up anticipation for Futurama through threatening the well-being of the voice talent? Perhaps. I have no doubt Fox would toy with people like that to build up press.

Today, however, Maurice LaMarche posted some important information on the ‘Save the Voices of Futurama’ Group on Facebook.

Hi Gang,
Moe LaMarche here. Just to clarify, we have NOT been kicked out of Comic-Con completely. In fact, gotta give ‘em credit, Fox was good enough to keep our registrations and hotel arrangements “alive”, (although at our own expense), perhaps because somebody, somewhere at Fox Productions is preparing some kind of reasonable offer back to us, in time to save the panel. Who knows? Maybe they’re just being decent. Anyway, I always express gratitude when I can, and this does save my kid’s once a year trip (cz ComicCon’s sold out), so in spite of any contention, thank you, Fox. And thank you to our friends, Matt & Dave, thank you Marcy and Antonia, and thank you, Lee.
The “Good news, Everyone” is that we (the cast) WILL still be signing autographs in the Sail Pavilion from 3pm til 7pm. Come by, say hi, even if you don’t buy an autograph (yeah, sorry… we “greedy actors” have to make a living somehow). And if you have questions, and we can legally and ethically answer them, we will.

The then went on to say:

And, further point of clarification, there STILL WILL BE a Futurama panel (as of this writing, anyway). Just not including us. So, go check it out, if you like. I just hope that what is said from up there is accurate and fair, as we will not be there to rebut. However, I do still dare to think that Matt, Dave and the writers are our friends…

So the panel description has been debunked, and LaMarche, West, DiMaggio, and Sagal will not be at the panel. They will be around to sign autographs, but that’s it.

Fox has to know that this move will actually cost them more money that it will save. Thousands of fans have spoken out against the re-casting of the voice talent, and many have expressed that they would not watch or support the program of West, Sagal, LaMarche, DiMaggio, Lamarr, MacNeille, and the rest of the regular cast was replaced. It would be an imitation of the original, to the point of it being a parody. Making the show anywhere near as fun, intelligent, and entertaining would be impossible.

If you’re a fan of Futurama, or a fan of good television in general, please take a few moments to sign the petition and send some emails to Fox execs. They’ve already tried to kill the show and the fans helped bring it back. Now the fans can use their power to keep the voice talent in tow for the show’s relaunch next year!

Send your angry emails to:
chris.alexander@fox.com
tracey.raab@fox.com

Put ‘Save the Voices of Futurama’ in the subject line, and tell those pencil pushers at Fox how you feel! And if you’re going to the San Diego Comic Con, make sure you go to the panel and voice your concerns.

ek

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHWxtURGECo]

I suppose I’m on an I LOVE SCRUBS kick right now. I admit that I’m getting a bit nostalgic as the series comes to a close. I’ve been really happy with season 8, particularly THE RETURN OF THE TOTALLY GORGEOUS SCOTT FOLEY. omg. His eyes are just … *ahem* anyway. I also really love The Blanks and Sam Lloyd’s voice. And their covers of pop tunes. Oh yes, there is an article on the music of Scrubs already in the works. I’ll be finishing it up this summer hopefully. I love genre blurring. It makes me all warm and fuzzy inside.

1. The City on the Edge of Forever
S1E28, Originally aired April 6th, 1967
Written by Harlan Ellison; Directed by Joseph Pevney

Captain’s log, supplemental entry. Two drops of cordrazine can save a man’s life, a hundred times that amount has just accidentally been pumped into Dr. McCoy’s body. In a strange, wild frenzy, he has fled the ship’s bridge. All connecting decks have been placed on alert. We have no way of knowing if the madness is permanent or temporary, or in what direction it will drive McCoy.

Star Trek, "The City on the Edge of Forever"

Who didn’t see this coming? This is an absolutely incredible episode, and it deserves all of the praise it has received over the years since it’s first airing. The script is incredible, the acting is terrific (particularly Shatner, this is quite possibly his best acting ever), and the story has a great mix of comedy and tragedy.

I immediately knew I loved this episode when Kirk and Spock have their encounter with a 1930s police officer. It’s absolutely hilarious. When you watch a show like Star Trek it’s so easy to feel comfortable with the characters and their surroundings. Seeming them as powerless, as fishes out of water, makes them that much easier to relate to and somehow seem more “real.” Once you see them here, and see that they are infallible in a way yet to be explored by TOS, you really just love Kirk and Spock.

Edith Keeler and Jim Kirk

Time travel is always a tricky issue. I’m a huge fan of Doctor Who (as you’ll note if you know me and/or my research) so I deal with time travel and canon in tv quite regularly. What happens when you travel into the past? What changes? The implications and ramifications of time travel are mind boggling and so so cool to think about. The fact that this one person, Edith Keeler, is so instrumental seems totally far-fetched. But the ramifications of her life, or death, makes the story so compelling. Throw in Kirk, a lonely and love-starved star ship captain (a character trait little explored in TOS during the first season, but something famously exploited in the remainder of the show), and you know you’re in for a ride. A tragic, angsty, ride.

Please, please go watch this episode. Right now.

2. Journey to Babel
S2E15, Originally aired November 17th, 1967
Written by D.C. Fontana; Directed by Joseph Pevney

Captain’s log, stardate 3842.3. We have departed Vulcan for the neutral planetoid code-named Babel. Since it is in our sector, the Enterprise has been assigned to transport ambassadors of Federation planets to this vitally important council. The issues of the council are politically complex, the passengers… explosive.

Star Trek, "Journey to Babel"

This is an entirely ship-based story, where the Enterprise is transporting a group of agitated diplomats to a conference regarding the inclusion of a planet into the Federation. Here we get our first glimpse of Spock’s family and a taste of the conflict between his human and Vulcan halves. This episode is also a predessor to the narratives of TNG, with all of the Federation politics, dignitaries, etc. that Picard often dealt with. This is their first go-around, though, and we get a taste of intergalactic peace-keeping Kirk-style.

Spock's Mother, Amanda

I admit a certain fascination with Spock’s parents, particularly his father, Sarek. How does a Vulcan decide that a human is the most logical mate? Perhaps that line towards the end was one of those “married couple jokes,” but I really do wonder how a Vulcan would come to that conclusion. Or how Vulcans decide on mates in general. But there really are more important things I should spend my time pondering.

Shras Endilev

I also really enjoy how Kirk has to trick Spock into giving up command. Spock’s loyalty to his duty as 1st Officer were so strong that he was going to let his dad die. Not cool, Spock, not cool. He’s an ambassador! Although they were in a tricky situation. Such a toss up. Good thing Kirk is so strong willed and able to pretend he’s not in excruciating pain while suffering from a punctured lung. Way to go, captain! Also, did I mention that Spock essentially blamed his father for killing Gav? Sometimes the logical, Vulcan way isn’t the right way. Oh well!

Stay tuned tomorrow for the best Star Trek episode of all time!