~*Ambrosia*~

Welcome! [img]smilies/wave.gif[/img] This thread is dedicated to the WB's Tarzan, starring Travis Fimmel, Sarah Wayne Callies, Miguel Nunez, Mitch Pileggi, Lucy Lawless, Leighton Meester, Tim Guinee, Johnny Messner and Fulvio Cecere.

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From Lord of the WB by Dennis Cass

Like Buffy before him, Tarzan revives a tired franchise.

You could say it's about time. Since 1918, when Tarzan of the Apes was first adapted for the silver screen, the Tarzan character has yielded plenty of straight-up adventure for boys (in the Johnny Weissmuller films, this adventure seemed to require an inordinate amount of swimming); an attempt at Serious Cinema (the uneven 1984 film Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes); and, in the case of Disney's 1999 animated version, a paycheck for Phil Collins. Now the WB is doing for orphans raised by apes what Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Smallville did for vampires and Superman, namely reviving a tired franchise with a healthy dose of angst, melodrama, and forbidden love. Which is not to say there's no action. Set in New York City, the new Tarzan also clambers around the skyline, tracks bad guys using superhuman senses, and beats people up with a savage elegance, like a gorilla who's studied tai chi.

Aside from moving Tarzan to New York, the creators have taken all kinds of crazy liberties. Jane Porter is no longer a 19-year-old English virgin but a by-the-numbers New York City police detective with a college-age sister and (briefly) a reluctant fiance. Jane can take care of herself, but she's vulnerable enough to need the occasional last-minute rescue. Tarzan also helps her solve crimes. As for the Ape-Man, Fimmel fits in with a long line of hard-bodied pretty boys. He delivers corny lines like, "This is how I hunt," but also does a convincing job of looking wounded and brooding in heavy rains. The show mercifully avoids irritating questions of identity and instead uses the Tarzan family history - the book's unclaimed earldom has been replaced with $6 billion worth of stock in Greystoke Industries - as the set-up for a bitter power struggle between Tarzan's villainous uncle Richard Clayton (Mitch Pileggi, né Agent Skinner) and his tough but loving aunt Kathleen (an almost unrecognizable Lucy Lawless).

Strangely, all these liberties only seem to illuminate the best elements of what by most accounts is a pretty poorly written series of novels. More modern interpretations have used the Tarzan universe to explore the self. The thrust of the WB's version, though, is not finding the meaning of home or figuring out how to use the right fork, but reconciling how you feel about someone with how you're supposed to feel about someone. Forget Fox's Skin, Tarzan and Jane are the winners of this season's Romeo and Juliet Award. Fimmel and Sarah Callies have the kind of genuine screen chemistry that reminds you how rare genuine screen chemistry is, and they are kept apart not by social station or by a pissing match between a histrionic DA and a watered-down pornographer, but by each other. As in the book, Jane knows she's in love with Tarzan, but she can't believe such a love could be possible. She understandably has no context for falling head-over-heels for a man who goes barefoot in Times Square. Tarzan, meanwhile, is a noble savage with a bad case of puppy love. He knows how to stroke her cheek, but has no idea how to bed her down. When they're together you can tell she's thinking, "What the hell is going on here? Who is this man? Why am I doing this to myself?" while he's thinking, "Soft. Pretty."

Everyone except Jane thinks Tarzan is a menace, and as with Buffy's complicated relationship with Angel, Jane is constantly pining and doubting herself and making questionable decisions. He infuriates her, but also captivates her. When they get together - often on a rooftop under the moonlight - it's all approach and hesitate, hesitate and approach, and the only thing that could ruin this delicious tension is a kiss.

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The show ran for eight episodes from October to November, airing Sunday nights at 9pm, and though there have been many reports that it's been cancelled the WB is still claiming "hiatus". There is a huge campaign going on right now to get it back and for more info on it you should check out the campaign website and tarzantheseries.com.



Now, to the fans of the show who visited the board we used to have, I want to apologize for not getting this general thread up earlier [img]smilies/frown.gif[/img]. These past few days have been craazy busy with sale shopping and New Year's party preparations and seeing RotK for the third time [img]smilies/blush.gif[/img]. Anyway, I hope that you make your presence known around our new home here and continue to chat about the show! [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]



Here are the threads from the board that I was able to save as well as a new Travis thread I started because the old one was lost due to a glitch. I encourage you to add the ones of interest (including this main one here) to you "tracked topics" under your profile for easy reference.

[img]smilies/star.gif[/img] "SAVE TARZAN" CAMPAIGN

[img]smilies/star.gif[/img] Travis Fimmel Appreciation

[img]smilies/star.gif[/img] Sarah Wayne Callies Appreciation

[img]smilies/star.gif[/img] John/Jane Appreciation

[img]smilies/star.gif[/img] Miguel A. Nunez Jr. Appreciation

[img]smilies/star.gif[/img] Tarzan Fanart

[img]smilies/star.gif[/img] Tarzan Fanfiction

[img]smilies/star.gif[/img] Brazilian thread #1



Tarzan links outside of Fan Forum:

Wild Innocence
Tarzantheseries.com
The WB's Tarzan Section
Tarzan by DEVOTED Fans
Tarzan - Tv Tome
Dream Vision's Tarzan music videos
Pearl Hunter's Tarzan music videos



Actors' sites:
What Do You Crave?
Travis Fimmel.com
Sarah Wayne Callies Online
Unforseen Circumstances
The Official Miguel A. Nunez Jr. Website
Lucy is Lawless

* click here for even more links *



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Our board avatars (found in your profile) that you may use if you wish...

[img]smilies/star.gif[/img]

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Post Away! [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

Oooh, and if someone can think of a title I'll be happy to edit it in [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img].

[ 01-08-2004: Message edited ~*Ambrosia*~ ]

Wildfire Girl

[img]smilies/hug.gif[/img] Welcome to our TV land ... sorry about the loss of your board.

Ne-fehr-ious

Ah, our new home. Bring in those boxes, we have unpacking to do. We didn't bruise Travis in transit, did we? (Gotta keep a sense of humor.) You can fight about who gets what room later.HA! No one got travel sick? Good. I'll be around no matter what. I'm sickeningly loyal!!

~*Ambrosia*~

[img]smilies/rotfl.gif[/img] I get the room with the walk-in closet! [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] And hmm, let me see... *checks Travis ALL over [img]smilies/eyebrows.gif[/img]*... Nope, he's still in perfect condition [img]smilies/drool.gif[/img] ..lol.. I'm soo glad you managed to find your way here and I hope that the other posters will be able to do the same. Just to make sure though, I think I'll pm a few of the regulars tomorrow and give them the "directions" to our new place ..lol.. Oh and btw, I'm really sorry I havn't replied to your pm yet [img]smilies/embarrassment.gif[/img]. This week's been crazy and it's just begun to settling down. I still plan on writing back but, for now, I remember that you mentioned you were writing a novel. Soo cool. If you don't mind me asking, what's it about?

Anyway, tomorrow I'll post the link to this thread on all the other Tarzan-related threads, pm some people like I already mentioned, post the latest campaign news and any left over time will be to chat, chat, chat.

Now though I need to get some sleep, sleep, sleep [img]smilies/yawn.gif[/img]. Talk to you tomorrow [img]smilies/wave.gif[/img].

Oh and thanks so much for the welcome Wildfire Girl! [img]smilies/kiss.gif[/img]

[ 01-03-2004: Message edited ~*Ambrosia*~ ]

~*Ambrosia*~

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From the theotherjane from tarzantheseries.com

Project Group Hug - Memory Book for Travis from his fans

I'm gathering messages from fans to put together a scrapbook to send to Travis. I'll be compiling all the messages into a binder using vinyl sheet protectors and shipping the whole thing to Travis. If you want to be included, here's what you need to know.

1. Handwritten messages are preferred but if you really feel that your writing is that bad, typed is okay also.

2. Messages should be addressed to Travis.

3. These are personal messages to Travis, not campaign messages or messages to the cast, crew or producers of the show.

4. Anything rude, crude or vulgar (ex. offers of sex) will be excluded. Seems like something I shouldn't have to say but then again, if I didn't someone might try to get cute.

5. Pics of yourself and even postcards from your home town to go with your letter are totally cool. Fan art will also be accepted but it must be no larger than a standard sheet of paper. (yes Eden your son can certainly draw Travis a picture)

6. don't write on both sides of the paper. it tends to blend.

7. I'm also in the process of trying to do mix cds of songs and audio greetings. there will be more on this later if I can get it set up.

8. Because I am flat ass broke, all donations for supplies and postage will be accepted. I'm going to send the notebook via either fedex or UPS so I can track it and that's expensive. My paypal account is under my email jaynerives@comcast.net. Or you can tuck a buck into your letter if you want.

9. Deadline for submissions is Jan 3rd. If you are not in the US or Canada and you don't think you can get a message mailed to me by then, email me and we'll see what we can arrange.

10. Also, please don't ask Travis to call, write, email you. A contact channel is being set up should Travis want to respond. He's got a lot on his mind right now and being asked by dozens of folks to send a personal message is a bit much.

11. Submissions address.
Jayne Rives
6721 Leland Way 22
Los Angeles, CA 90028

Feel free to send the link to this thread to any other forums, sites or email lists that you think might be interested.

Thanks.

Also, any other actor fan groups can feel free to 'borrow' this idea to send to others in the cast.

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I know, you're saying wtf?? Jan. 3rd??!! [img]smilies/eek.gif[/img] But that's today!! Read on...

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posted by theotherjane today

I have posted a list of all the folks I have received messages from.

so you can check to see if something you sent has arrived. the plan is to send the book on the 7th, but for sure by the end of the week. so there is still time to get stuff to me. even if you have to email it (I prefer that you write it by hand and send me a scan, for the personal touch).

as you will all be able to see, I don't have that much for the book. I'd like to triple the entries if I can.

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I think it's a really great idea, I'm actually pondering the idea of organizing one for Sarah. Anyway, I'm going to try and come up with something for this Travis book by the end of the day, anyone else interested? [img]smilies/look.gif[/img]

Wildfire Girl

Did I tell you what an amazing job you've done with the start of this thread? [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

Ne-fehr-ious

I'll PM you about my novel. Don't want to give away all my secrets for everybody to see. I find myself stealing ideas from the novel for the Tarzan fan fics,so I have to be careful. (I did write the next installment of the fan fic - three more parts.(you might like the part with Richard's fantasy about who John would be if Richard had raised him.) I'm still tweaking the details, and letting it sit for a while to make sure I like what I've done. I have the added headache of not being able to get online at home at the moment, so I can't get it uploaded until the home comp plays nice. Thank god for public computers.)

~*Ambrosia*~

Ne-fehr-ious - Ugh, you've got me waiting on the edge of my seat for this fic! [img]smilies/spineyes.gif[/img] [img]smilies/lol.gif[/img] Oh and I hear you on the blessing of public computers. I've had soo many problems with my comp that if it wasn't for the library sometimes I swear I would have been lying on the floor in the fetal position and sucking my thumb [img]smilies/tongue.gif[/img] ..lol..

Aww, thank ya [img]smilies/blush.gif[/img].

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[ 01-07-2004: Message edited ~*Ambrosia*~ ]

vc318

So that's it for Tarzan? Oh man! [img]smilies/frown.gif[/img]

~*Ambrosia*~

Whoa, are you psychic vc318?? [img]smilies/eek.gif[/img] The article I posted before your comment didn't confirm the show's cancellation BUT... the following does [img]smilies/frown.gif[/img].

From FilmStew.com

Wednesday, January 7, 2004

Tarzan Trounced

Despite a recent effort by fans of The WB's Tarzan to rescue the program from its abrupt hiatus, the network now confirms the series has been cancelled.

By Richard Horgan

A day after a half-page ad paid for by a coalition of fans trying to bring back The WB’s fall 2003 offering Tarzan appeared in The Hollywood Reporter, their mission to rescue the latest incarnation of Edward Rice Burroughs’ celebrated hero just got a lot tougher.

“The show has been cancelled,” confirms Paul McGuire, Senior Vice President of Network Communications for The WB. “This is the first time we’re officially announcing this. It’s always great to see people getting passionate about one of your shows, but despite the considerable amount of money and effort we put into marketing Tarzan, it really didn’t ignite a mass audience the way a show must in today’s multi-cluttered TV universe. Yes, we saw the ad in yesterday’s Hollywood Reporter and again, it’s always great to hear from an appreciative audience.”

Tuesday’s black and white trade ad, which appeared on page 87 of the Reporter in the heart of its extensive weekly listings of current film and TV productions, cost fifty of Tarzan’s most ardent fans a combined $1,279.00, slightly discounted for the cause from the publication’s normal rate of $1,500.00. Unfortunately, the ad looks more like a promotion for the show itself rather than a plea from a group of 2,115 fans scattered across the United States, Brazil, Australia and several other countries. Even the ad’s listing of their message board web site URL, www.tarzantheseries.com does little to reflect the nature of their efforts.

“I own a copy of every single Edward Rice Burroughs book and must have read them at least 20 times each,” confesses 47-year-old Escambia County, Florida municipal employee Jean Kassab, a mother of two who fronted for the ad on her credit card. “I’m probably the most skeptical Tarzan fan there is. But when I turned on the TV show, I was impressed. Not just because former Calvin Klein model Travis Fimmel looks the part, but also from the way he articulates Tarzan’s limited vocabulary and does his own stunts.”

“Our biggest bones of contention are that The WB canceled the show so quickly and that while they spent a lot of money advertising the show before its premiere, it seemed like they barely promoted it during the week once it was on,” Kassab continues. “We’ve literally pelted The WB with hundreds of stuffed animals with messages attached, floral arrangements and baskets of bananas and nuts. Although we are very careful to try not to appear as though we are trying to stalk anybody, we did manage to also have something delivered directly to Fimmel’s mother at her place of employment.”

From the feedback she has received, Kassab says Tarzan appealed immediately to female viewers ages 22 through 70, some of whom have joined her in compiling an album of fan letters and other mementoes to send to Fimmel. Sadly, in light of today’s cancellation news, their political manifesto may now be perceived as little more than a nostalgic keepsake.

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So we FINALLY have an answer. An answer that, let's face it, we pretty much have been expecting all along. The WB has officially cancelled Tarzan. It sucks, it's sad, but now "Team Tarzan" can move on to the next stage of the campaign. Yes, you read right. For those that still have the energy, the campiagn for the show is not over. Now that The WB has finally let it go the focus turns to getting them to sell it to another network and, of course, getting other networks interested in picking it up.

Watch the "SAVE TARZAN" thread but also outside FF Tarzan links for the latest info.

Questions? Comments? [img]smilies/look.gif[/img] (Like I really need to ask [img]smilies/tongue.gif[/img] ).

[ 01-08-2004: Message edited ~*Ambrosia*~ ]

~*Nikki*~

Wow that really sucks. I was actually thinking that The WB would bring it back at least to fill the void left in Sunday nights until next season and I would have at least liked to have seen that happen. Guess we're all go for the next stage of action.

[img]smilies/love.gif[/img]Nikki [img]smilies/sun.gif[/img]

black 4ngel

I almost cried when I found out [img]smilies/frown.gif[/img] I have some wallpapers if you guys want to see them

Ne-fehr-ious

Why do I find myself more obsessed now that it has been cancelled? Obsession is an odd master. Now the closest I can get to Travis on TV is the guy on All My Children who they made a Tarzan reference about. And I know it was about this Tarzan, because, as far as I know, this is the first time Tarzan has been portrayed by a blond. It's a close but no cigar situation.

Mirea

yeah tarzan was hot stuff

Ne-fehr-ious

Anybody got a hot water bottle shaped like Travis Fimmel? (full size, of course) I'm freakin' cold here. I was counting on Tarzan episodes to keep me warm all winter. I think this explains the extreme cold snap. They took all the heat off my TV.