SpaceGypsies

A few weeks ago I posted on ABC’s lack of decision regarding its summer series The Gates. Well, it appears that as of Friday, while nothing “official” has been announced by ABC, The Gates has been canceled.

Here’s the kicker. It’s being reported on the interwebs that the reasons for the cancellation are poor ratings and…wait for it…lack of promotion! Now here is where I really have to stop for a moment and take ten deep breaths to calm myself.

What’s up with that ABC? It seems to us that you doomed The Gates for cancellation from the start. ABC failed to promote The Gates in the most obvious of places and expected them to thrive. Now ABC is surprised that the show, which premiered this summer, didn’t do very well in the ratings? No one knew what it was or when it was on!

Now granted, ratings are generally lower in the summer across the board. People are outside doing things or are on vacation. They aren’t watching a lot of TV, let alone a series late on a Sunday night. So that should be taken into consideration. Something else ABC needs to consider, and it’s unknown whether or not they did so we must withhold judgment on this bit, is that the majority of viewers watch their shows off of Hulu.com or their DVRs. The company that does the Nielsen ratings has admitted to having an issue when it comes to counting those viewers. When you take that into account along with Nielsen’s notoriously unreliable system for counting viewers, it’s not surprising that things get a little wonky. Since I can’t fault ABC for Nielsen’s craptastic ratings system, it wouldn’t be fair for me to spend too much time on the ratings soap box.

With that being said, if the show had been marketed and promoted properly, and in all of the appropriate markets and to the appropriate fan bases from the beginning, it is likely that even with a crummy time slot The Gates could have gained more followers. However, ABC dropped the ball and instead choose to promote shows two, three, even four months before their debut instead which leaves us to wonder who exactly is running the marketing department because they clearly don’t understand fan bases or the communities their shows should be promoted to.

Back to the situation at hand, in doing some research I’ve found that speculative fiction series, which is what The Gates ultimately was, don’t do very well anymore. Why? First, the networks are finding them to be too costly to produce. Why bother when it’s much cheaper to create another reality show? As long as there are single people out there looking for fame there’s always someone willing to sign up for The Bachelor/Bachelorette. In a time of recession when even the networks are feeling it, what the viewers actually want and what the networks are willing to shell out money for are two very different things.

What we don’t understand is how ABC can cancel programming like The Gates that’s original and innovative before being given a chance to really spread its wings and yet renew programming like V which is just a remake of a miniseries. They renew their reality series over and over again and yet when something new comes along it’s shoved in the corner before being told to go away. Then network execs sit there scratching their heads and wondering why more and more viewers are switching to cable.  Is it really that much of a mystery? The answers seem pretty clear if you use common sense. Viewers want original programming and by original we don’t mean remakes loaded down with CGI to cover up mundane dialog and a mind-numbing plot. When viewers don’t get original programming they switch to watching stations that offer what they want. Plain and simple.

ABC did take a chance with The Gates just like ABC Family took a chance with Huge (which was also, coincidentally, canceled). ABC should get a small amount of credit for trying. However, we’re being left to wonder if they really did try. What ABC expected The Gates to achieve in order to be considered a success was, quite frankly, ridiculous. Unfortunately, too many viewers were at Comic Con, Dragon*Con and other summer conventions to boost the ratings or discover a show airing at 10:00 on  Sunday nights. With the parameters ABC set for The Gates, poor time slot, lack of promotion, and even its passive aggressive indecision regarding renewal, it’s no wonder that the show was canceled. Then again, it’s now blatantly obvious that ABC never intended for the show to last more than one season.

There is, however, one thing that ABC didn’t take into account: the fans. Sci-fi fans are notorious for write-in campaigns and attempts to save shows. Several of these campaigns have been successes in at least gaining one more season. If ABC won’t pick up the show then fans should write to other networks. CBS picked up Medium after NBC canceled it. Comedy Central picked up Futurama. It’s not unheard of and it’s been done before. If ABC isn’t the type of network that wants to offer its viewers original programming then perhaps another network would be more willing…maybe SyFy for example? What about FX? They seem to like to take risks. Cable TV may once again have the balls where network TV fails.

I am not, by any means, saying that the show can be saved by fan response as it’s very possible that the actors themselves may no longer be available. What I am saying is that it isn’t in the nature of the sci-fi fan to go down without a fight. So pick up your pens loyal fans of The Gates:

• Write to ABC. Tell them how unhappy you are with their decision.

• Write to other networks and tell them why you think they should pick up the show.

• Write to the sponsors whose products were advertised during the show and tell them you want to see more of The Gates.

Hope isn’t entirely lost and ABC technically hasn’t “officially” announced anything via press release. If The Gates is to go out, let it go out fighting. It’s what the cast, crew, writers, producers and everyone else who worked hard on the show deserve. At the very least it shows our appreciation to them for creating what truly was a fantastic show.

All of the SpaceGypsies would like to take a moment to thank the entire cast and crew of The Gates for giving us thirteen wonderful episodes. You have certainly gained us as fans and we wish you nothing but the best in your careers, wherever they may take you. Which is why, here at SpaceGypsies.com we never say “goodbye” but rather, “see you soon!”

Stay tuned to SpaceGypsies.com. The show may not be returning for a second season but we’re not done with your episode guides yet! Stay tuned!

If you haven’t seen this episode of The Gates it’s not my fault. This is an older episode and we’re already done with the first season, so if you haven’t seen episode 6 then…Aww you know I’m just giving you a hard time. The usual spoiler warning applies. Click below to read more!

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I would like to take a moment to ask ABC what on Earth is going on. Their new series, The Gates, had what ABC billed as its “season finale” well over one week ago and viewers (and the actors!) still have not been told whether ABC intends to renew the show.

This should not surprise me given the attitude ABC’s marketing department has given the show so far. ABC seems to have taken a very lackadaisical approach to this show which I find disappointing. The less than stellar approach started with how ABC chose to market the show to would-be fans. The Gates was billed as Twilight meets Desperate Housewives in order to appeal both to the Vampire Diaries demographic and the, you guessed it, housewives.

A poor time slot is another thing that may have hurt the series. Lets face it. Who wants to stay up late on a Sunday night? There was a time when Sunday nights had the best network lineups. I can remember when The X-Files aired on Sunday nights and The Simpsons has made its permanent home there. Viewers have suggested changing the time slot to Tuesday night. At first glance that sounds like a great idea, but if you think about it, moving The Gates to Tuesday night would kill the show. Here’s why: this season SyFy has gotten rid of its infamous SyFy Friday and moved all of its hit series to Tuesday night. For ABC, moving any competing sci-fi-like show to Tuesday night would be suicide. Whether they put V, The Gates or even No Ordinary Family up against SyFy’s hits Stargate Universe and Caprica, SyFy is going to come out on top.

**Reach out to the fans! Whether they’re fans of The Gates or fans of other sci-fi shows, ask them what they want.

** When you market the show, present it as it is. Air previews. Let the show speak for itself instead of comparing it to other popular shows/movies.

** Bring The Gates to conventions like Comic Con and Dragon*Con to promote the show. Word of mouth is your friend. Presence of The Gates at a convention is an excellent way to pull in viewers with very little overhead (if any) from the network. Convention goers would love to meet stars like Rhona Mitra, Frank Grillo, Marisol Nichols, Colton Haynes and Andrea Powell. Take advantage of that!

** Take advantage of SyFy’s mistake! Move The Gates to Friday nights and put Wife Swap and Super Nanny on Sundays.

Andrea Powell plays werewolf and loving mother Karen Crezski on ABC’s The Gates, but did you know that she’s also a runner and an avid supporter of the American Cancer Society? SpaceGypsies caught up with Andrea to talk about her participation in the Run Rock N Roll half marathon in Chicago, the American Cancer Society, Karen’s fantastic wardobe and, of course, werewolves!

Our favorite thing about Andrea? She’s not afraid to squeal with us!

SG: How did you first hear about Run Rock N Roll? Run Rock N Roll has runs all over the country. What made you choose Chicago?

AP:  I was originally invited by the Chicago Rock n Roll Half Marathon as a celebrity attendee, but when I learned more about the race itself and the cause, I decided to participate as a runner.  Plus it was a great way to get to know a really cool city that I didn’t know much about.

SG:  How long did you have to train? Was this your first marathon?

AP:  I started doing short-distance triathlons a year or so ago, and the furthest I’d ever run was 10k.  The half-marathon was definitely a first for me, and I didn’t know that my shooting schedule would allow me to attend until just a few weeks before.  So I was kind of training and tapering at the same time.  I’d been running and cycling in the Louisiana heat all summer, which definitely helped my endurance.  But the best thing was the advice I got the night before from an Olympic trainer, who basically told me to just relax, break the distance up into small segments, and–most important–make a plan and stick to it.  It really worked.  I made the entire distance and had a lot of fun doing it!

SG:  How was your experience running 13 miles through the city? Was it hard? Did the weather play a factor at all?

AP:  I loved it!  It was a great way to see the city, and the bands along the way made it even better.  Everyone was apologizing about the heat, but I’d been in 100+ degree Shreveport all summer.  78 degrees was sweater weather to me.    My favorite part was the last few miles around the lake, where you took a turn and all of a sudden there was this spectacular view of the skyline.  And the breeze off the water was much appreciated.

SG:  What is your advice for novice runners who want to try a marathon?

AP:  I can’t speak to a marathon since I still haven’t done one, but I’d definitely say that if you’ve run any distance at all you can definitely do a half.  Pace yourself, walk the water breaks, drink when you’re thirsty, and enjoy the scenery.  And like the trainer said, make a plan and stick with it.  Even if the plan is to run a mile and walk a mile, or break it up some other way, knowing what you’re going to do to get through the distance is really helpful and makes it all seem more manageable in your mind.  And during the inevitable uphills and tough parts, you can think ahead to your next move.  I’d also say have a little mini-celebration every time you pass one of those mile markers.  High-five the people next to you, say “woohoo!”  Your’e doing it!

SG:  Why is the American Cancer Society important to you? Are you involved with the American Cancer Society in any other way?

AP:  I lost my father to cancer in 2002, and my husband lost both his parents to cancer many years ago.  We only had a month between my dad’s diagnosis and when he passed away, so there wasn’t really an opportunity to prepare or learn much about it.  But soon after–probably as a way of dealing with it–I tried to learn everything I could, and I became aware of all the people who are or have been touched by cancer in some way.  I also have a brother and brother-in-law who have survived cancer thanks to early diagnosis, so I appreciate the efforts the American Cancer Society makes to educate people about the importance of screenings.  In addition to their emphasis on research, the ACS also understands the importance of supporting those who are dealing with cancer every day, and giving them the best chance at survival by finding out everything possible about fighting it.  Everyone I met with the ACS was amazing and inspiring, and I’m humbled and honored that they asked me to wear their jersey and run on their behalf.

SG:  What can people do to help support the American Cancer Society?

AP:  You can make an immediate donation at the ACS website at www.cancer.org, and you can also get information there about other ways you can help.  There are events across the country to help raise money, and there are all sorts of volunteering opportunities.   You can encourage lawmakers to continue supporting legislation requiring insurance companies to cover cancer screenings, and urge your Senators and Representatives to pass the National Pain Care Policy Act, which would allow cancer pain sufferers to receive proper diagnosis and pain relief, which would greatly improve their quality of life.  Check out www.acscan.org for more ideas.

SG:  Did you do anything fun while you were in the city?

AP:  My husband came with me, and the race organizers treated us to the most amazing dinner at 9 Steakhouse.  One of the best meals we’ve ever had, and it gave us a chance to get to know our new friends better.  Pity it was the night before the race, or I would’ve taken more advantage of the wine.  They were pouring our favorite–Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc.  Yum!

SG:  We hear you ride horses. PlayItGrand and I are also riders (Saddleseat, Hunt Seat and Western) and horse owners. What’s your favorite discipline? Favorite form of riding (trail, jumping, showing)? Do you ride often?

AP:  I grew up riding Western, although I’ve also trained English and Australian.  I even dabbled in barrel racing when I was young and bounced back more quickly–it can be pretty rough on your body.  Trail riding has always been my favorite; there’s nothing like exploring beautiful country on horseback.  Unfortunately I don’t get to ride much anymore, but I hope that I can add that back into my life at some point.

SG:  When you first received the script for The Gates, what were your impressions when you found out you’d be playing the mother of a werewolf?

AP:  How. Cool.  Is.  That.  I was thrilled!  And then when I discovered I was a werewolf, too, this officially became one of the best gigs ever.

SG:  The Gates has its own set of rules and mythology when it comes to supernatural beings. How do you feel The Gates’ mythos compares to that of Twilight, Underworld, or other supernatural series?

AP:  I think all of the shows and stories play around with the traditional rules and mythologies, then add their own to suit.  In our case, the vampires have a special sunscreen that lets them walk in the day (a good reason to avoid water, which can wash it off), and the werewolves are vulnerable to regular bullets.  But the core rules still apply.  For example, in one episode I push my way into Claire’s house, saying “I don’t have to be invited in, unlike some people.”

SG:  You get to wear so many adorable dresses and awesome shoes on The Gates. Where do they find all those great outfits? Do you get to keep any of Karen’s clothes?

AP:  I know, I LOVE Karen’s clothes!  The brilliant designers and wardrobe department find them locally, order online, wherever they can, then our flawless seamstress custom-fits them just for me.  Karen’s dresses remind me of a cross between Jackie O and Katherine Hepburn, and they’re pretty close-fitting (that gorgeous peach dress I wore at the fundraiser in episode 6 didn’t allow me to sit, but it was totally worth it).  Except for the bikini and sandals she wears in the famous pool party scene, Karen has two wardrobe constants:  her pearls and her shoes.  No matter what else, those two things are almost always there, and she just doesn’t feel dressed without them.  All wardrobe is the property of the show; however, I did end up buying the dress I wear in episode 12.  You’ll understand why when you see it.

SG:  Who has better fashion sense, Karen’s friends or Claire’s?

AP:  Well, neither of them really has many friends to speak of, although they’re making more as the series progresses.  But if you’re talking vampires vs. werewolves, I think the vampires have more of a vintage look since they’re strongly influenced by the time at which they were “turned”.  Karen’s pack is a little earthier, more animal prints, etc.  Karen herself doesn’t really fit any mold, it’s just very important to her to look her best…and better than Claire…at all times.  I love that she’s a little over-dressed for every situation.

SG: Will viewers get to find out what happened to cause the rift between the vampires and werewolves within The Gates?

AP:  The differences between the two “teams” will be explored more as time goes on, although I think it’s pretty traditional that vampires and werewolves don’t get along.  And some of the problems between Karen and Claire have as much to do with mutual misunderstanding as they do with being on one side or the other.  Claire thinks that the werewolves are just a bunch of animals, and that Karen doesn’t have true feelings.  Karen thinks that the vampires are full of themselves, and that Claire has the perfect life.  But in episode 7 they realize that there’s more there than meets the eye, which enables them to put their differences aside.

SG: We have to ask, who do you think would win in a fight, Karen or Claire?

AP:  Karen, of course.  My husband thinks that she has some serious screws loose and could snap at any moment.  Of course, I think she’s just trying to do her best and keep it all together.  But I guess I see his point.  Karen can be pretty scary.  And who knows, she might do something really crazy…maybe later this season…who knows?

The SpaceGypsies would like to thank Andrea for taking time out of her busy schedule to talk with us. The Gates airs Sundays 10/9 c on ABC.

 Now is the time when I give you the usual warning of spoilers. Though this post should have happened several weeks ago so you’re likely caught up by now though. Still, enjoy Episode 5 of The Gates, “Repercussions!”

Please note: the pictures contained herein are a bit scattered. No pictures for Episode 5 were ever posted. (sad face).

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