Sorry if this is out of line but I've been lurking here for the last couple of months, waiting to see if the show's been renewed, and just had to comment on something.

It's just that I've seen many posts that seem to suggest that we, the audience, are owed something, either by the studios, the writers, or the actors. We're not. We're not for the simple reason that we're not going to sell our cars or homes or work overtime to donate cash to make it up to said studio, writers, and actors if the show tanks. That's like me expecting my favorite restaurant to stay open, even though they're losing money, just because I happen to like their food and have been a regular for the past 4 years.

It's one thing to try to promote the show through fan support, buy DVDs, and so on but I can't help but point out though that these actions aren't entirely altruistic. They're not done because they want to keep Marco or Conchita gainfully employed so much as they are a way to continue to be entertained. So when I read posts that criticize Cambell or Faust or USA/NBC for wanting to move on it just seems out of line.

It would be great if the show were renewed and all the castmembers came back. Even better, if they all agreed to take a pay cut or work for free so the show would have a bigger budget for special FX, more cast, advertising, and so on. But, as time goes on without any word it's looking less and less likely. C'est la vie - it was a good run. And 4 seasons isn't a bad run for a show.

Personally, I think you would have served us all better if you keep right on lurking....

And a big welcome to you too. Sheesh, some fanboys!

I'm with Bubba, I would love to see a season five. I would say that the only think I think would be owed us, the fans, would be an announcement informing us of the decision to cancel and perhaps even a thank you for the years of loyal support. Beyond that I don't think that we are owed anything. IMO, four seasons is not enough for this show. They had so much left to show and so many questions to answer. It was a good show. I've seen crappy shows last longer then four years. I think to end this show now is a premature decision. The show has not outlived its appeal.

I have to agree with PJ-I understand nobody owes us anything, but what an unpleasant post! I also would agree with Elessar-I think after our years of loyal support, we are owed one thing. An announcement that the show has been canceled, if that is indeed the case. It's not going to kill anybody at USA to show us this small courtesy.

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see another season. And I agree with you, a formal announcement about the fate of the show is overdue, even if it's nothing more than a "we're working on it". Word will get out eventually, Behr or one of the actors will say something I'm sure. Behr especially, he doesn't strike me as the shy quiet type.

Yes, I've seen plenty of crappy shows last longer than 4 years, sorry if this offends anyone but how did Walker Texas Ranger last as long as it did? I've also seen good-great shows that lasted less than 4 years. I think it's a testament to Behr and the writers that they left the season finales both this one and last one open enough where it could go on or end somewhat satisfactorily.


But you defend my right to say it, right? Just kidding. Honestly, I wasn't out to offend anyone but more defend the actor(s), network, and writers from what I saw as a little unfair treatment.

Welcome Aprilfan. Yes you have a right to post and a right to say whatever you feel. Some may not want to hear what you have to say on this topic, including myself, but you have a right to say it. It wasn't very nice for anyone to tell you that you should have kept lurking. This forum is for everyone to discuss the show. And you are right, they don't owe us anything. Many shows get cancelled every year and no official annoucement is made regarding it. I wish they would say one way or another though. It's not looking to good right now. But I can hope.

LOL @ Walker Texas Ranger. Seriously, that show has been on longer than the 4400! The Apes are riding the horses!

I wasn't offended by your post, Aprilfan. Although I may be by your username. How can you like April??? J/K

worse than Walker...I have a friend who is in love with Chuck Norris. She thinks he sexy...everytime she says that I vomit. LOL blek

Welcome Aprilfan. One thing that Network, or even cable shows have failed to realize is that fans do have an expectation of completion. The way some networks (FOX) treats their shows, it would seem reasonable for USA, who has kept this show going for four years, to give us some kind of completion. Would you buy a book that had the last chapter missing? Even if the last chapter was a one or two pages.

I expect questions raised in season one to be resolved.

Secondly, USA has a different definition of a season (episodes) than the Big 3. 24 episodes a season is regular. Sopranos you say? Well, I don't see any commercials.

Bottom line, after four season, completion or resolution is necessary.

Welcome AprilFan! Thank you for your post. Hope to see you around the forum.

Well thanks Phanta. I don't take fanboy remarks seriously, some people have got to get their strokes somehow.

I really don't understand what the holdup is. Either they are or they aren't (going to renew) - what are they waiting for? It's not like they don't have the audience numbers to look at. I just don't get it. Maybe they're waiting for the DVD sales figures from S4 before making the final decision?


I became a fan of April's when she cornered Diana with the, "How many times do you two have sex?" then later Tom with, "Do you ever fantasize about Diana?" That was too funny and really won me over to her character. For me those were two of the funniest scenes in the entire series.


Thank you for that articulate post Original4400.

No, I wouldn't buy a book with with the last chapter missing which is why I quit Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series after the 7th book - what's he up to now, book 27? Anyway, with any television show I have it in the back of my head that it could go at any minute and there's not much I can do about it. Remember a couple of seasons ago on the prime networks two shows called (I think) Surface and Invasion (came on after Lost I think)? While I could never get into the former, I thought the latter wasn't half bad. And Showtime used to have this show called Dead Like Me and cancelled it after only 2 seasons despite it doing well both with the audiences and critically.

So, for me at least, I feel like any show I watch is on borrowed time. Maybe that's fatalistic but I've been though this many times before.

Aprilfan, this is completely OT, but I LOVED Dead Like Me

A fantastic show, I was so bummed when it was cancelled. Also, you might be happy to know that they're in the middle of doing a straight-to-DVD movie with hopes that it will turn into a series. AFAIK, the only characters that are missing from the new show are Rube (Manny Patankin) and Daisy (Laura Harris).

http://www.tvsquad.com/2007/08/12/casting-...-like-me-movie/

Absolutely. You can say whatever you want. It's just a shame that you decided to join the board for the reason you state-it seems like you could contribute something worthwhile, rather than defending people who don't need to be defended, from people who weren't attacking anybody. But if that's what amuses you, you must please yourself.

LOL Those were two very funny moments. April's still not a favorite of mine but I'll admit that did help me like her a little more than I did.

I'm sorry, next time I'll run my post by you or PJ to make sure it qualifies as "worthwhile". Still, I find comfort that, despite being an "unworthy" topic, you and the Junkie still found it compelling enough to contribute to it.


She was far from my favorite character throughout the series but I liked the way she grew up in that episode. Plus, I like the actress who plays her. She hasn't aged a bit since Lost Highway (a VERY VERY big departure from her April character).

At some level, your right, but, within a reasonable context, I feel that since the studio and NBC Universal spend so much money on reality TV garbage or even cliche shows, they have a moral responsiblity to continue with a politically-insightful show that can actually contribute to understanding human nature and the most important issues of our time. When we act upset, the network and studio understands that it's because of our love for the show.

I think, of all the garbage out there that's funded, they have a responsibility to make something healthy; it's for the writers and actors' jobs, too. The show surely makes a profit. The question is how greedy are people gonna be in wanting excessive profit from this one show.

I think it's important to keep it on air.

I am not some "fanboy". I just find it disgusting that someone would come out of hiding just to slam viewers (and devotees) of a particular show. All because they are expressing their frustration at being given the shaft by the Network. It's not that they owe us anything; it's more about a sense of completion. A good storyteller does not start a story and then thirty pages into it, gets up and leaves, never to come back (especially not without first excusing themselves).

Yes, you have your right to say what you wish. Notice I didn't block you. But with your speech, comes my right to express displeasure at what you said. (So, belately, Welcome to the Board!)

As most people here will say, I've posted both pleasure and displeasure with the writers and Networks. Just because I have a name like Promicin Junkie, don't assume that I blindly follow the pack in the search for the next fix....

I agree, PJ. At the very least, the network owes us a few words. Five, in fact-"The 4400 has been canceled." It doesn't seem like a lot to ask.

Post whatever you like. I've responded to topics that are not very substantive before. I just think it's a shame that you joined the board and decided to participate on it only to slam viewers who are expressing disappointment that the show will probably not go on.

Excellent PJ, now this is what I call a substantive post. You're right, a good storyteller does not leave a story unfinished but as I'm sure you realize, this is a business and, unless you're under the age of 10, I'm sure you've had shows you enjoyed cancelled. Like I said earlier, I learned some time ago that what the networks do is beyond my control and to treat EVERY season finale as a potential SERIES finale. This, in my opinion, is the writer's responsiblity.

And lately I've seen something I never thought I'd see, shows planning their end, Lost and Galactic to name two. It's a nice change from, "let's run it until it's not profitable then cancel it."


Please don't get me started on reality shows that lately seem more scripted than regular shows. As for "moral responsibility", I just can't see that flying in a boardroom meeting. Unfortunately, it's a bean counter world and we live in it.


I don't recall slamming anyone or group. I thought I was just pointing out that "we the audience" are not owed anything. And, as you can see, I also am capable of responding to posts that are not very substantive.

Welcome Aprilfan!

While the show/producers probably feel they don't owe me anything, I am sending them a bill for all the tomatoes I've consumed due to this show.

wow, i see nothing has changed around here.. the same hypocritical attitude from some of the same ole cronic forum regulars around here

offherRocker still telling people how to think and what they should or should not post .. its sooooo freakin sad

don't worry Aprilfan, this is common behavior around here from a few members who live and breathe the 4400
This kind of behavior has driven many loyal forum members away..

Booey, what kind of proof do you have to make such a statement?

Thanks for the welcome to all that gave one. I'm accustomed to hypersensitivity to any negativity surrounding this (or any popular) show: "What do you mean you don't like Diana's hairdo?!?!? Damn you, heathen! Damn yoooooouuuuuuuuu!"

Hopefully we'll all have another season or three to discuss episodes.

Are you saying you don't like Diana's hairdo? That's the last straw!

Darnit! I was afraid I might have crossed the line with that one. Sorry people!

Are you saying her hair looks like straw? THAT'S IT!

welcome aprilfan, to the twilight zone where all fans can be sensitive, sensible and looney ,downright judgemental all in one)

i'll raise my hand and admit i ranted a lot against the execs, and yes they do owe me something coz i'm a viewer ,think of us as small shareholders sure we dont have any say in the big voting but we do have our use, coz without fans a show's life in the boardroom wouldnt last longer than a blink, so in my view lthought we can't dictate the way showbiz is run at that level they dont have the right to disregard our feelings (and just plain old 101respect class) coz they need us more how many shows which hav premiered this fall wont live to see spring?huh? coz of lack of viewers? i can think of a few...

what's really annoying and irritating is the way they go about letting us know for the last three yrs whether the show is been renewed or not, it lacks basic courtesy,fans shouldnt be viewed as on a pedestal but neither should they be treated as if they belong in the gutter along with the sewage waste,added that other usa shows were renewed well before their season finale with 4-6 episodes to go ex 'burnt notice' ,

i mean if they are so immune to feelings(our growing irritation) in the boardroom what 's the hesitation all about cancel it or renew it but make a decision allready and stand by it ,dont leave us fans plus actors on the limb wandering yes? no? maybe so?........it's been over a month now since the show ended, i dont know if as an actor i'd like to be risking this sort of emotionnal roller-coaster each yr!no wonder some split coz some aspect of the working conditions just arent worth it!!!

ps: i like to vent rant disagreee and agree just as much as the next person on this forum.....

Howdy AprilFan! Welcome to the nice, peaceful, happy...

...

Welcome to the Boards! (I'm just teasing anyway: I like the Board's debatingness. Wouldn't have it any other way!)

I read her post, read some of the comments, and then reread it to see if I missed something. I didn't really find anything offensive about it: just a little plea to cut the writers/producers/hunkie actors/staff a break. An announcement would be nice, but the more I get involved with school, the less I seem to think about 4400 (and sleeping, and eating, and breathing...)

I wasn't put off by the fact AprilFan spoke up for the writers, etc. It was more the fact that she/he didn't care to post for all those months, and then all the sudden decided to sign in just to bash people who were airing their frustrations....

That's how I felt.

ITA


It's funny how we perceive/read things differently. I didn't think Aprilfan was bashing at all, but then I know that just about all us posters are misunderstood from time to time. *shrugs*

Regardless, Aprilfan's post is a good reality check: it's unlikely the producers care about our pleas for info. If they did, they'd have said something by now, even if it was "lighten up, go read a book!"

They don't owe us anything but it would be to the studios advantage to create a great season five. I'll be watching it if they do.

Maybe they could add some zombies? Maybe not.

Thanks EMac (and sorry about that Diana's hair is like straw comment I made earlier )

We the audience and they the studio have a weird codependant relationship. We need them and they need us but we're not going to lose sleep if we lose interest in a show and they're not going to lose any sleep if they quit making it. It's an odd little dynamic I think.



PJ/RM, no offense, but I think you need to clean your 4400 filters, a first post that is not completely positive should not automatically be classified as "slamming" or "bashing". Sometimes, just pointing something out is just pointing something out.

As for entering on a negative note, well there's not a lot to be positive about regarding this show lately what with its future - no pun intended - in limbo like it is.

AF don't sweat it. I don't think all of us thought it was negative. It was a post. Period. And you are right there isn't much to be positive about right now. I doubt we will see a season 5...it's november...no word....looks like the catastrophe is here.

That's true-I hadn't thought of it like that. We are at a very negative point at this time in the 4400. I'm sorry if I was too cranky. I haven't said welcome to the forum either-I'll say it now. Welcome to the forum, AprilFan. And here's a tidbit about the actress who plays April you might not be aware of. She's Natalie Wood's daughter.

No sweat about Diana's straw-like hair. I so over it. LOL


Exactly... neither side should take the other one's actions personally.

Hey 'Aprilfan' welcome Here's my take on it. Two things. In a way they do owe us or at least need us because we are the ones who have to put up with the stupid commercials (soooooo many of them ) and then a lot of people go buy the products that are advertised. and I know it comes down to the bean counters, but as I said in the letter i wrote to USA via snail mail, it would be nice if someone with vision would step back from the "beans" and look at the possibilities this show has. But yes i do understand the Bottom line. Also when you said "you learned a long time ago that networks go beyond my control" That's not necessarily true. Did you know the fans of a show called JERICHO actually saved it. Yes it's true they brought it back for another season. It's a great show. One of the phrases in the last show was NUTS. so their campaign was to send nuts to CBS. Started out with just a few lbs. bye the time they, the fans were done CBS had received something like 3 tons of peanuts at their station .Which i think is located in NYC, the fans did get another season , waiting for it to come out, but at least it's ready. Also did you know that the original "Star Trek" was saved. It started out with only two fans and look what it turned into and how many spin offs. Also I don't think they had the level of computers back then we do now (if any ). So just thought I'd share. Also I do like April more after she took the shot. And how cool I think it was "Rock"(sorry if i'm wrong) said shes the daughter of Natalee Wood. Both beautiful womyn. Well, see ya around the boards Peace signing out Heart

Good point aprilfan, This is exactly the reason you have not heard form me on the subject it is NOT AT ALL compelling to me. The ONLY thing that I care about is the renewal of the show.

Ok....I would like to roll up a newspaper and hit something cause absolutely nothing has been said about it is renewed or it isn't renewed. ****Shouting!**** So stand back and beware so no one gets in my way when I have had enough!!!! Yup...I do have ownership in this darn show cause I like it and haven't missed an episode for the last four years. Whew! Now I feel better.

Sorry for the rant, guys, but I think we all are in need of a little happy face coming our way to say "Look out for next summer. The 4400's will be back in your home on Sunday nights, beginning in June, 2008."

I know what you mean, Mickey's Friend, but I don't think I could handle the disappointment of finding out now if the show's been cancelled. It's very likely that the Writers' Strike is related to the delay, and some speculate that because a strike will delay production on new shows that networks are more likely to turn back to familiar shows they have, which are ready to go. So, the delay may be related to a good decision down the road, but don't hold me to that. I'm just praying....

Thanks Muldfeld that is the first hint of optimism I have heard in a while!!!! But like you said, I won't hold you to it!!!! I will just pray too...

Thanks for the calming words. I just felt like flipping out a little with my ultimate rant to the world. giggle giggle giggle.

I think they owe us the viewers to finish the story they started. We have invested hours in their show and embraced it so them just ending it without proper closure is just showing that they don't care about the fans. Why invest in another show when you know they can just cancel it when they want to.

I don't think TPTB care about that. I hate to be the voice of gloom and doom, but I doubt we'll even get the courtesy of an announcement. One day we'll try to come here to the forum and it'll be closed-that will be our announcement. It has always seemed to me that the fans are the ones most interested in the show. Some of the actors didn't care enough to stay around while it was still on, the writers didn't care enough to pursue a coherent story line, and the network didn't care enough to promote the show so it would acquire more viewers. Now more of the actors have moved on and the writers are going on strike. What hope is there?

AF,



A belated welcome aboard. Things were starting to lull a little around some Threads. If nothing else, you gave “the dedicated” a new frustration outlet.

Must admit, however, that I’m one of the ones (delusional as it may be) who feel entitled. Having to watch those 50+ commercials and promos per episode give me a sense of entitlement.

The Network owes us. We’re their customers as well as their customers’ customers.

Why alienate fans when it is so easy not to do so. At a minimum you want fans to stay loyal to a show, as well as come back check out whatever new shows you have to offer.

And, as for the sale of S4 DVDs, I buy the previous season’s DVD to prep myself for the coming season. (In fact, I watch ALL the previous seasons prior to each new one.) For me, no S5 equals no reason to buy S4 DVD.

In addition to the Network, I also blame all these so-called “spy” sites that are all over the place—YOU ARE NOT DOING YOUR JOB!!!!

Anyway, welcome aboard.

Glad you are here.

I don't necessarily think that the network "owes" us another season (although I'll die without one!), but they do owe us devoted fans better closure than we got in the season finale IMHO. All we had after that eppy was more "opensure" (lol). All of the new abilities, Jordan taking over Seattle, will Tom take the shot....etc. If they weren't sure there would be another season, they never should have opened so many new doors.

Also, I do believe that they 'owe' us word on whether or not the show is over for good or not. We watched their show faithfully for 4 years, just as they wanted us to, so we deserve an update.

Just adding my 2 cents