Without A Trace - What Would You Change, If Anything?

**NikNak** · 11-25-2003, 11:54 PM

I found that when I start this topic on other threads that I regularly post on, it generates some discussion, so I wanted to start one here on the WAT board.

Now, perhaps, as a fan and regular viewer of the show, you might want...

... more personal character development?

... more romance?

... different storyline(s)?

... more guest appearances?

Personally, one of the things I would not change is the way the show currently handles the personal lives of each character. Although, I must admit, I would love to learn more about Danny and his familial ties, mostly because I'm biased since he is my favorite character, I really like that the writers aren't using overkill or integrating too much in each episode on the background of each individual character. I previously mentioned this on our thread at the TV board, but in each episode, we get a little bit of character background, or sometimes, nothing at all. Some episodes just deal with the cases, nothing else. I really like that, because that's truly what the show is about. Of course, I like seeing how working at the Missing Persons Unit, on a day-to-day basis, affects each character, and their relationships with each other and their families. That definitely brings depth to the cast and balances the show. But, I honestly don't want the show to become a soap opera, because I already watch enough of those. [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] So, I currently like the slow development of each character. It keeps me wanting more.

I really also like that all the cases don't end up happily and positively, with the missing person found alive and well. Disappointment, along with not being able to "save" everyone while doing your job, if that's the type of work you're in, is only realistic and reasonable. So, I appreciate how the writers want the show very sensible in that way.

One more thing: I love that at the end of every episode, there is an announcement made on a real life missing person, w/ all their information and picture. SO poignant and real. It truly makes you remember that this is only a show, but there are actual people in the real world that are missing, from their family and friends. I never want that aspect of the show to change.

Ok, I think I've talked long enough. So, let's discuss what you would do differently, if anything at all. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

ETA: I know there are new fans of the show, who started watching just recently, and have only seen a few episodes, but I would love to read responses from long-time viewers of the show, and any new fans, as well, if they have any ideas or comments.

[ 11-25-2003: Message edited NikNak ]

sunnyskye · 11-26-2003, 06:59 AM

i agree i just love danny, hes the best and i to enjoy learning about his past [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]i think the writer have done an amazing job to even out the storylines and personal lives of the agents without becoming a soapy! [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] i enjoy all the different twists that evolve throught each ep, and more danny/martin banter is needed cause that is always enjoyable to watch! [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] but either way i still love this show and danny! [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

**Astra** · 11-26-2003, 09:52 AM

I think the balance is really good right now, and I don't think I would change anything...

Though I really want to know more about the characters and possibly see a bit more personal interaction, if the writers went that route I'd probably lose interest eventually...

They've got it down now, I say don't change a thing [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

jennarose · 11-26-2003, 11:42 AM

I would like to see a little more of the personal lives of the characters and I want to know more about Vivian.

LiL_Starzz · 11-26-2003, 12:29 PM

The thing with the personal lives thing, is that the writers do reveal things about each character - it's just in small doses.

I'd really like to kno about their lives. So far we know the most about Jack. But i'm craving for some Danny. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

nbsarah · 11-26-2003, 12:57 PM

Part of me really wants more romance, yet the other part of me really likes the fact that its not as much of a focus as it is on other shows.

**NikNak** · 11-27-2003, 01:53 AM

We all seem to pretty much have the same ideas. Thanks for the responses, everyone. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

**Astra** · 11-27-2003, 08:52 AM

Welcome!

What's fun about this thread is we can come up with our 'fantasy' storylines too...

More immediate than waiting for stuff to happen in the show!

[img]smilies/rotfl.gif[/img]

SpyDaddy's Love Kitten · 11-27-2003, 02:24 PM

I wouldn't change anything, except maybe giving Danny more screentime, because I lurve him =P

sunnyskye · 11-29-2003, 08:17 AM

you know what i really would soo love!! is if the did a two parter ep and filmed it in australia, like they wrote a script that required the team to go to australia, that would be soo cool, especailly for the aussie cops see how the fbi work, very cool! [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Dione2 · 02-10-2004, 11:19 PM

I'd love to see more of their personal lives. Not too much that it becomes a soap opera like ER has, but, enough to flesh the characters out abit - particularly Vivian and Martin. I'd love to see Sam's ex boyfriend from The Friendly Skies back. I'm not to keen on the Jack/Sam affair. Aswell as not having much chemsitry, the fact that they cheated on his wife doesn't really put their characters in a good light. I wish they could just move on from that now.

**NikNak** · 08-24-2004, 07:40 PM

*bump*

I'm curious to read any other opinions.

**Lazy** · 08-25-2004, 09:57 PM

I don't feel the need to change anything about this show, I think it's great the way it is. But I, like others, hope that they don't show too much personal stuff, stick with the missing persons storyline. Although I ship a lot of couples in almost every show I watch (and WaT isn't an exception) the reason that they show all that personal stuff in little doses is one of the reasons I love this show so much.

I wish we learn new things about the agents, different kind of cases. Most of all I hope the show's quality stays the way it is now.

I have a question. Do you think the show's cast is too pretty? Would you change that? I've read some reviews and some of them made a comment how the cast seems to be too pretty, especially Poppy.

**NikNak** · 08-26-2004, 08:07 PM

Good answer, Lazy.

Quote:

Originally posted by Lazy
I have a question. Do you think the show's cast is too pretty?

Nah, I don't think the cast is too "pretty". I am not too sure of what the media means by that, though. How exactly do they want people to look, you know? Hmm. Not sure of what they're referring to.

**Lazy** · 08-26-2004, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by NikNak
Nah, I don't think the cast is too "pretty". I am not too sure of what the media means by that, though. How exactly do they want people to look, you know? Hmm. Not sure of what they're referring to.

I'm not too sure either. I guess they mean that people looking like Poppy (often called the bombshell) or Eric (pretty boy) are too good looking for FBI agents. I guess they think all agents are ugly or something....