[SPA]

Maybe you're right, Michelle. Maybe it's just too soon right now. Nobody has any real idea what's coming up in the near future. I remember the anxiety of what was Scott's next project after he completed Saw IV last summer. He had that "holding clause" and he was on the go-go-go

There has been some information filtering out about returning shows and some actors coming on board existing and returning shows; and the delayed beginnings of pilots on hold from the writers strike.

There just might be something new in the works -- we just don't know about it yet.

I'm reminded of interviews that Scott gave after the beginning of GG. He said that ASP gave him his start "she could have gone with names, but she didn't." While Scott was honing his acting skills with guest appearances on hit shows here and there and he was in a few movies in the mix of it all, he really got his big push with GG. Now that he's a little higher on the food chain, he's going to have to work a little harder to stay there -- and -- he will need -- as we all do need -- a little luck going his way.

Keeping fingers crossed -- and trying to be patient, at least until around May.

[crazyboutscott]

I agree with you SPA that Scott's big break was GG but I just don't think that anyone could say he can only act because of GG.I know what I mean in my head but maybe I'm not saying it right.

[WandaRose]

I don't think I was trying to find Luke in Gary, but I was looking for someone likeable and I don't like Gary at all. I'm not sure comedy is Scott's forte -- I'd have to see him try something else to judge that though. He's good at drama, and dry wit/sarcasm, but I'm not convinced he and comedy are a good fit.

If he had a choice between moving to Canada and moving to Africa, I can see why he picked AiA. Who knows, maybe he didn't have refusal rights, and had to take whatever show they offered or forfeit his salary. At least next time around he'll be free to choose something he really wants to do.

[crazyboutscott]

I think we are all missing something in Aliens because it seems like Scott really thought it was wonderful and so did the critics.

[SPA]

I get cha now, Michelle. No biggie. I just need to check out of Speculationsville for a while -- enjoy the 7 new episodes of Aliens, ending in May, and THEN wait on pns and needles for news.

I'm sure that the people who are interested in seeing Scott, will follow where he goes next and then see what he can make of it. I just hope it's not a mean, hard-nose guy. I'm pretty filled up with him with that when he's in the Saw movies.

ETA: I love Aliens mainly because Scott is in it as a goofy dad. I watch the show to be entertained, and I am. Maybe my bar isn't as high as other people's entertainment-wise, but I didn't compare Aliens with GG -- no point. And though some of Gary's quirks irked me a bit, the show, in all, still makes me laugh.

[Looney6]

Originally Posted by crazyboutscott (View Post) I totally disagree that Scott has to prove he is not a one hit wonder after GG. He had guest staring roles on popular sitcoms and the episodes he was on became some of the most popular episodes. He showed his dramatic acting skills in Saw and he showed how funny he could be in Little Big League. I think Scott has more than proven he is a versatile actor. We are all thinking that the right people are not seeing him but maybe he is happy with who is seeing him!

I don't want to get too far off topic but SP's resume prior to GG does not prove he is bankable post GG. And AiA happens to be the expected failure most tenured TV stars face after coming off a hit. Even LG can't rest easy knowing the offers will roll in and her resume is a lot stronger than SP's. He has only been on ONE successful TV show as a regular. He does have a lot to prove. Especially since GG, while a critical success, was on the WB and never garnered the viewers on par with the big 4.

He did do well in SAW but I think he has hit that franchise at a bad time. DLB has moved on and will not be doing the next two installments. But I agreed with the sentiments of the reviewers that his performance was strong and well acted but in terms of a SAW movie. It wasn't so great. As I said before I think it's good he took two roles that were very un-Luke like but AiA was not a good fit. I think they could have done a much better job with his character but it seems even the writers didn't like him to actually write him something new. The whole fake tan gag and makeover was practically verbatim to a scene from "Kath & Kim" which is an Austrailan series that is being retooled for the US this fall.

ETA

I think we are all missing something in Aliens because it seems like Scott really thought it was wonderful and so did the critics.

What is SP supposed to say? He needs to "sell" the show in order to keep working. And I never understood why some critics embraced this show. And not all did. SP's remarks in that IGN article mention those that didn't as "missing the point". I don't feel they did or the viewers did either. They did not actually achieve what they set out to do. It was not insightful or edgy it was pretty cliche and they overused common stereotypes to the point that it was not funny. I think they took a very conservative tack with the show and as a result it fell flat. These types of "Shock"coms won't work unless they really push the envelope [kind of like Earl] and they never did IMO. The critics who lauded AiA early on based it on that type of a show but they never actually got there. And unlike most other networks they had plenty of time. They were lucky to get 18 eps. They should be thanking the WGA for that gift.

[SPA]

... but it seems even the writers didn't like him to actually write him something new.

I don't agree with this statement. The show is primarily centered on Justin and Raja -- not Gary and Franny. Could the writers done a "better" job on Gary's character?? maybe/probably. They obviously had a vision that was different -- it was a gamble, as are all new shows -- it just didn't pan out.

The whole fake tan gag and makeover was practically verbatim to a scene from "Kath & Kim" which is an Austrailan series that is being retooled for the US this fall.

I've seen many, many scenes on different shows thoughout the years that are very similar/almost the same. ASP wasn't unique in all of her s/l and/or scenes. Shows aren't made to be unique every single episode and scene. (Seinfield, Friends, Moonlighting, LA Law, Home Improvement, Family Ties, Alice -- I mean the list could go on if I pondered it further)

And the Saw series, even beginning it's 4th sequel, is a moneymaker. Plots mundane, silly, overused?? Sure. As all sequel movies, especially in horror. It still packs in the audiences and the $$$. If it didn't make money, they wouldn't be making them. Darren also mentions that he may be back in Saw VI. He may be teasing, but he said he didn't know how this separation was going to pan out. He's also an Executive Producer of Saw V, and still has his hand in the movie -- he's not out of Saw by any stretch of the imagination.

I, for one, do not believe for one second that the downfall of Aliens is because of Scott's acting abilities in the comedy field. In my view, it lies squarely and solely with the CW.

[KbatMO]

Originally Posted by crazyboutscott (View Post) I think we are all missing something in Aliens because it seems like Scott really thought it was wonderful and so did the critics.

Or maybe I'm not getting something ... cause I've loved Aliens in America; and Scott's performances in it. I think he's a fantastic comedic actor - whether it's verbal banter, straight guy (i.e., Dean Martin to Jerry Lewis; not preferences!) ... or slapstick. He does all with so much spirit and energy and aliveness! Steals scenes like the best of them. He made me LMAO at some point in every episode of Aliens. If I hadn't heard him say "I'll use some of that placenta cream" or "Awwww crap" or "Okay she can keep the breasts" ... seen him set himself on fire, knock himself down folding a fitted sheet, or nearly Isadora Duncan-ing himself down a garbage disposal with his necktie ... then I couldn't say "I've lived"! Phew!! And it's not just the lines - it's his delivery.

No of course - Luke isn't Gary T (or future Gary T - gotta disagree w/SP on that one!) or vice versa - though I get what he means about guys who like certain socks, certain routines.... Love their families. Still, Aliens in America isn't GG. For now GG stands as the major body of Scott's work - 154 hours worth! - and it's work he can really be proud of ... but in this desert+drought of TV - desperately seeking something new, creative, and clever to watch ... I got some good belly laughs from Aliens ... and genuinely enjoyed each episode even in (neverending) reruns.... I look forward to the remaining 7 episodes, will buy the DVD, and would've really loved 4 more eps. this year and 1 more season. The little show that couldn't would've been perfect ending as Raja and Justin graduate from HS. IMHO.

Meanwhile it seems the CW will focus on its 1-hour shows, adding insult to injury. Like GG - the show they coulda shoulda renewed! But I feel so glad and grateful not to have missed this tiny little gem - thanks to Scott!

[WandaRose]

Originally Posted by SPA I, for one, do not believe for one second that the downfall of Aliens is because of Scott's acting abilities in the comedy field.

I don't think anyone said that.

I do think it's more than the CW though, because some of their shows are doing reasonably well. I think the writers, directors and producers have to shoulder some of the responsibility, because AiA just isn't holding its own. They still have 7 episodes left to prove their worth though, and you never know, if ratings do pick up, it could come back in January.

[lancer1993]

I, for one, do not believe for one second that the downfall of Aliens is because of Scott's acting abilities in the comedy field. In my view, it lies squarely and solely with the CW.

Agreed, while being off-shore I don't see the promotions and ads I've heard enough here to know the CW could do better in selling the show.

[Looney6]

Originally Posted by SPA (View Post) I don't agree with this statement. The show is primarily centered on Justin and Raja -- not Gary and Franny. Could the writers done a "better" job on Gary's character?? maybe/probably. They obviously had a vision that was different -- it was a gamble, as are all new shows -- it just didn't pan out

I know it is. That is why I compared Gary to furniture.

And the Saw series, even beginning it's 4th sequel, is a moneymaker. Plots mundane, silly, overused?? Sure. As all sequel movies, especially in horror. It still packs in the audiences and the $$$. If it didn't make money, they wouldn't be making them. Darren also mentions that he may be back in Saw VI. He may be teasing, but he said he didn't know how this separation was going to pan out. He's also an Executive Producer of Saw V, and still has his hand in the movie -- he's not out of Saw by any stretch of the imagination.

Moneymaker for Lionsgate does not a star SP make. SAW fans are SAW fans and I think a lot are on board for DLB. Having his name attached is a far cry from being "involved" day to day. Having him queued up for 6 is just good business because if 5 is a flop they'll want him back to direct.

I, for one, do not believe for one second that the downfall of Aliens is because of Scott's acting abilities in the comedy field. In my view, it lies squarely and solely with the CW.

I never said AiA's demise was the fault of SP's actiing abilities. The show is a failure in it's own right. And since the CW is really just the distributor I would say the blame lays on the Production and writers. The CW has actually been nothing short of gracious in terms of getting behind the show. But since it has no legs what are they to do? You always take critical remarks against SP's body of work as a reflection on him when none of the remarks about the show had anything to do with him personally.

[razzlephrat]

Originally Posted by WandaRose (View Post) I don't think anyone said that. I do think it's more than the CW though, because some of their shows are doing reasonably well. I think the writers, directors and producers have to shoulder some of the responsibility, because AiA just isn't holding its own. They still have 7 episodes left to prove their worth though, and you never know, if ratings do pick up, it could come back in January.

The point was that he CW does jack to promote Aliens though.

[SPA]

Originally Posted by crazyboutscott (View Post) I think we are all missing something in Aliens because it seems like Scott really thought it was wonderful and so did the critics.

You're right, Michelle. Aliens was critically acclaimed in many venues.

The CW just didn't and does not, promote their shows very well. And, I might add, NONE, of the CW's shows are anywhere near the rating of the Big 3 and Fox. They come in 5th every single time. A fledgling network, okay, but it didn't sprout up brand spanking new -- it was a merger of two excisting networks. It's just poor managment all the way around -- I say let's start at the top. I'm not giving the CW any credit or points for bad business practices.

[Looney6]

and you never know, if ratings do pick up, it could come back in January.

Has this actually been commented on by the CW though? AiA has been hemorrhaging viewers in it's time slot. Viewers that leave after EHC and come back at 9p. Their #'s went down with the first new ep after the strike. Barely breaking 1 mil viewers. UPN had consistent #'s with that block of shows that held when they shifted to the CW. AiA is the weakest link and I would be surprised if they brought it back. Taking a gamble on a new show won't be any riskier. If the Sherry Shepard show is still on the table I would think they would place that with EHC and The Game.

ETA

Who is comparing ratings on the CW to the big 3? They're not. They are simply looking at growth within their own shows. AiA isn't growing and it's not because of poor marketing. AiA was promoted and was plugged by critics. And the network gave them plenty of latitude to grow and gain momentum. They are not even pulling in enough GG fans. At some point the show has to take it's lumps and assume the blame for it's shortcomings.

[SPA]

Looney, I'm not convinced that the CW moving the only timeslot of Aliens to Sunday nite was a good move -- in fact, it might have been the beginning of the end. A tell-tale sign that it didn't have confidence in the show. I thought the better timeslot for Aliens was Monday nite.