Open Mic Night: Very Merry Maggie
Medium is on tonight and you know what that means: Open Mic Night at Medium Dreams where we all watch the episode together and tawk amongst ourselves in the comments. This week’s episode is Very Merry Maggie (MED-047).
Come to this post before, during, and/or after the show to chat about Medium in the comments. Talk about the show. Gossip about the actors. Meet some of your fellow readers and commenters.
The official start is 6:00pm PST / 9:00pm ET but really, comment any time. If you are reading this post, comments are open. I will not arrive until around 7:00pm PST due to that horrible thing known as a “day job,” so do not wait for me. Comment any time.
Go!
Tags: med-047, medium, medium nbc, open mic, very merry maggie
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POSTED IN: Fun With Medium
50 opinions for Open Mic Night: Very Merry Maggie
Betty
Jan 31, 2007 at 2:48 pm
Thanks so much for doing this Sheila! Thanks so much for your queries to the publicist - sorry if they were rude to you. We’re just curious about these things because we care and WATCH the show. They’d be a lot worse off if we didn’t care and didn’t watch. NBC should be thanking their lucky stars for all the viewers they can get this year. I’m on CST, but do not have access at home, but I can read emails on my phone, but never works out well if I try to do anything else.
Sheila
Jan 31, 2007 at 3:07 pm
I KNOW! You would think they would WANT to keep their viewers intrigued with personal tidbits here and there. It is perpetuating the frustration we all felt when the show was bumped to mid-season, then brought back on a new night. The message:
Dear Fans,
We do not value and respect you. You will either follow us to wherever we slot the show or the show will die. We are indifferent either way. We always have more shows to take its place.
Hugs and kisses,
NBC
Thanks for the words of pep, Betty. I needed that! :)
Betty
Jan 31, 2007 at 3:47 pm
You know, after watching the “extras” on the Seasons 1 and 2 DVD’s and the “Moonlighting” DVD of seasons 1 & 2 (which was created by Glen Gordon Caron) I get the impression that GGC is a little spacey, I guess is the best way to put it. It wouldn’t surprise me at all that if Jake Weber wants to bow out and GGC really is so hot on the normal marriage/kids thing that he would put the kibosh on the show rather than go with another angle. JMHO.
I was shocked to hear him talk about “Remington Steele” which he also had a hand in, that he was with it for a short time and something to the effect he didn’t like it - this is also one of my all time favorite shows! Then when he was asked to do “Moonlighting” it was the network (ABC) that wanted a detective story with a man and a woman and he was really against it! He had had two failed pilots they did not pick up, but had entered into a developmental deal with them and the net pushed for the dectective show. It ended up being brilliant and one of my all time favs, but to hear him talk, it was just happenstance it worked out as well as it did!
As far as Medium goes, he doesn’t seem to have any grand plan for the seasons at all. Maybe why they don’t always pay attention to the little details since they have no story arc in mind. On the one hand I’m glad they adapt the story as they go, but in a way it’s a little frightening they don’t have any “master plan”. Could be why they reported chaos on the set each week because scripts aren’t finished (TV Guide site). I would think they would be a little ahead of the game since the show started late in the season, but then when “The Whole Truth” was delayed because of the President’s address that week, I thought maybe they bumped it to the next week because they were tweeking it still. They also had a couple of episodes listed in the website beyond the current week, but now they only have the current week listed. Despite the ads on NBC, there are no “sneak peeks” at this weeks ep available anymore for “Medium”. Strange.
Holly
Jan 31, 2007 at 5:27 pm
Perhaps I’m confused, but they do have a making of Very Merry Maggie on the NBC site I believe called Medium in Miniature, or is that not what you meant? But, yeah it kinda worries me too that they don’t have the season all planned out. If they did, they could put little hints, or have one thing lead to another, because right now there are not really any continual story lines. Each episode stands can stand alone. Of course, I’m not one of the writers, so who am I to question their strategies. Maybe they have something under their sleeve that nobody knows about.
I would hate to see Jake Weber leave the show. I personally love the family stories, so I would love to see more of him. It would work out well for him and the viewer. I know they keep hinting at an Allison and Scanlon thing, but I just don’t think it would work. I love the family as it’s set up now. That’s one of the things the show keeps getting good marks with. Why mess with a good thing. Just give Jake what he wants–more screen time.
As far as Glenn Gordon Caron goes, this is the only show I have watched of his, and I love where the show is right now (with minor exceptions lately) so I’m cool with him. As long as he doesn’t do anything crazy, I think we’ll be okay.
Holly
Jan 31, 2007 at 6:09 pm
In less depressing news, the on screen guide on my television just told me a little bit about the episode that’s on in two weeks. It’s called “The One Behind the Wheel,” and in it Allison wakes up from a dream thinking she is a completely different person nammed Sandra. Joe, with help from Scanlon, trys to snap her out of it. And, Bridgette has some problems with Valentine’s Day. I just love spoilers.
Jenn Bo
Jan 31, 2007 at 6:38 pm
Maybe tonight I’ll watch the show in real time. Of course, my wireless internet doesn’t work so well in the tv room of my house, but I’ll try to check in. Maybe during commercial. Good grief, since I usually watch via TiVo, I can’t remember the last time I watched television in real time. =)
Sheila
Jan 31, 2007 at 6:46 pm
Yes, every time someone asks Glenn Gordon Caron about season story arcs, he says he doesn’t like to do them because it locks him into a foregone ending and does not allow you to take another direction if the mood strikes you.
Which is kind of the point, isn’t it? And who says you can’t change the arc a bit mid-season if you determine it isn’t working for you?
Of the 8 episodes so far this season, only two have had repeat writers. Is that normal? I have no idea. Anybody?
JennBo: It is very weird to watch live TV. You have to wait through COMMERCIALS. So distasteful.
Sheila
Jan 31, 2007 at 6:50 pm
Holly: Ooh, scoop! I love spoilers.
Holly
Jan 31, 2007 at 6:53 pm
I don’t know, but some consistant writers might give continuing story lines, which Medium is in need of. Casual viewers would not just think, “Oh, I think I’ll skip tonight’s episode,” if they thought they might miss something important. It would increase ratings, and would make me more comfortable with the show’s standing. Just don’t get rid of Jake!
Holly
Jan 31, 2007 at 6:57 pm
Well, tonight’s episode looks thrilling, scary, and overall neat. Allison’s supose to help Devalos with his dead daugher. Sounds like must see TV to me! Well, I must leave you to watch Medium which will start in a few minutes. See you all later.
Sheila
Jan 31, 2007 at 7:02 pm
Holly: I am sooooooo jealous.
/me makes note to investigate satellite TV
Sheila
Jan 31, 2007 at 9:56 pm
Okay kids, I am signing off for tonight. Catch you later, ‘gators.
Jenn Bo
Jan 31, 2007 at 9:58 pm
What? signing off? Just as I join the party! Good news is that the wireless works in my tv room.
susan
Jan 31, 2007 at 10:03 pm
what is the name of the song that was playing when Devalos and his wife were at the field of flowers?
Jenn Bo
Jan 31, 2007 at 10:06 pm
Susan,
I’ll try to report when I hear it… I’m just starting the episode now…
Sheila
Jan 31, 2007 at 10:08 pm
JennBo: Heh. I need to concentrate on the show, dontchaknow. I don’t think I am going to liveblog it this week. I just don’t have the energy.
Susan: Not sure. I’ll let you know if I find out.
Jenn Bo
Jan 31, 2007 at 10:10 pm
The dolls were not as creepy as I expected.
Sheila
Jan 31, 2007 at 10:13 pm
Okay, not liking the abusive father!
Jenn Bo
Jan 31, 2007 at 10:15 pm
Ah-ha! I knew the girl in the chair was dead.
Sheila
Jan 31, 2007 at 10:18 pm
WHAT? What did I miss? What girl? What chair? Are you watching live TV?
Jenn Bo
Jan 31, 2007 at 10:20 pm
Yes, live tv. The daughter in Devolas’ office.
Sheila
Jan 31, 2007 at 10:22 pm
Oh earlier. Gotcha. And now we have an old white-haired guy who says he is a medium. I bet he turns out to be a fake!
Sheila
Jan 31, 2007 at 10:24 pm
I’m so glad you’re here. I was signing off earlier ‘cuz I thought everyone would be glued to their TV’s. :)
Jenn Bo
Jan 31, 2007 at 10:24 pm
Of course he’s a fake! Charging for his services. bah!
Jenn Bo
Jan 31, 2007 at 10:26 pm
Okay, now the doll is creeping me out. What a jerk of a father. I’m glad he’s dead!
Sheila
Jan 31, 2007 at 10:27 pm
Me too. Both the doll and the dad! I wonder how he “fell” off the roof.
Sheila
Jan 31, 2007 at 10:31 pm
Um, what’s with the sheet? Doesn’t Allison own a robe? Now they have to make the bed!
Jenn Bo
Jan 31, 2007 at 10:32 pm
I thought it was the start of a fabulous awards ceremony dress.
Sheila
Jan 31, 2007 at 10:35 pm
Good one!
Oh that is so sad about Devalos and his daughter. But what does “last gasp’ mean? I must know!
Jenn Bo
Jan 31, 2007 at 10:37 pm
Oh my! The doll is evil. That surprised me.
Jenn Bo
Jan 31, 2007 at 10:37 pm
Last Gasp = Someone killed the daughter?
Sheila
Jan 31, 2007 at 10:42 pm
She’s making off with the doll! What, does she really think the boy won’t notice it’s missing?
Sheila
Jan 31, 2007 at 10:43 pm
There’s that phone on Joe’s side of the bed again.
Jenn Bo
Jan 31, 2007 at 10:43 pm
NOT liking the doll. Totally creeping me out.
Sheila
Jan 31, 2007 at 10:47 pm
Joe is wrong. The doll IS evil! Or at least very, very creepy. But Oliver is adorable.
Sheila
Jan 31, 2007 at 10:49 pm
It was the aunt’s doll and she was the abused little girl! So maybe she killed her husband. Or brother. Or however Oliver’s dad was related to her.
Sheila
Jan 31, 2007 at 10:59 pm
OH NO! THE POX!
Jenn Bo
Jan 31, 2007 at 10:59 pm
Sound sounds like Keith Urban.
Sheila
Jan 31, 2007 at 11:00 pm
Hey, not only does Arliss Howard guest star next week, but he directed THIS week’s episode.
Jenn Bo
Jan 31, 2007 at 11:02 pm
Yep!
Susan: Keith Urban, “Tonight I Wanna Cry”
Sheila
Jan 31, 2007 at 11:02 pm
Ooh, I suck at music. I’ll have to check out the Tivo’d version.
Okay, I am really off to bed this time. Toodloo.
Sheila
Jan 31, 2007 at 11:02 pm
Bravo JennBo!
Jenn Bo
Jan 31, 2007 at 11:03 pm
Good night. This was fun. =)
Sheila
Jan 31, 2007 at 11:03 pm
‘nite.
Dawn
Jan 31, 2007 at 11:40 pm
Did I miss something? What are you talking about with Jake Weber? What did you hear from NBC? I’ve heard some rumors that he’s not happy. PLEASE tell me he’s not leaving the show. It just wouldn’t be the same without him. I would REALLY hate to see him leave, and I would really hate to see this show end.
Sheila
Feb 1, 2007 at 9:26 am
Dawn: I got bubkus from NBC. Actually, it was CBSParamount that I spoke with. (CBSParamount owns the show in conjunction with Glenn Gordon Caron. It is just distributed through NBC in the US.) My NBC publicist contact from back in November is gone. Why, I do not know. The CBSParamount publicist would not say. They are very cagey, those publicists.
If I ever find out anything concrete I will put it in a blog post, not just the comments.
Medium Dreams » Medium Recap: Very Merry Maggie (MED-047)
Feb 1, 2007 at 12:17 pm
[…] As for me, I was having too much fun at Open Mic Night here at Medium Dreams to liveblog the episode. I do, however, have an opinion. […]
Betty
Feb 1, 2007 at 1:35 pm
As far as the NBC webstie, when the year started (Jan) if you went to the website, you could see a 2 minute snippet of the new episode - the first one was the sniper one, “Please Be Kind Rewind”, they had the opening scene with Devalos and Scanlon at the shooting site on the highway/freeway. Since then, they haven’t had any. I believe the special effects are done on a seperate time table from the filming of the episode.
AS far as GCC not having any idea of story arcs, etc, that is one thing that frequently kills a successful series. If you were a “Moonlighting” fan, it really lost its direction after a couple of years - Cybill Sheppard’s pregnancy with twins was a complication, but the viewers weren’t happy with the way that was dealt with. There were many rumors that Bruce Willis and CB weren’t getting along.
Another series that lost its way was Miami Vice - not one of GCC’s shows, but a good example of what happens when the direction is lost - the 1st two or three seasons are some of the BEST television EVER MADE and still stands the test of time today. Unfortunatley, later on it got just down right weird and wacky. They finally started getting back on track later, but by then they’d lost their viewers and the series was cancelled.
As far as writers/directors goes, I was looking at my “Moonlighting” DVD from the first two seasons, and surprisingly the episodes were written and directed by a variety of folks. Some of the folks were on several episodes as were the directors. I just kind of thought the same director would be there all the time, but that wasn’t the case. As an actor (Community Theater) I’d think that would be a little difficult to do having to face a different director almost every week, just because directors can have such different styles. You really have to give props to the actors for remaining consistent.
In a couple of articles I’ve read on David Cubitt, he seems to be very much about the collaboration (on the script) and acting “in the moment you’re doing it” and not big on discussing and researching. I’ve worked with some directors that are not flexible at all, then there are those that are like “whatever” works.
Dawn
Feb 1, 2007 at 9:46 pm
I’ve heard Glenn Caron say from the beginning of the show that he never planned an arc or anything,just let each episode stand on its own. So in that respect, the show hasn’t changed at all. I think if they ever do try to serialize it, it will ruin it. As far as the writing and directing goes, I think there is a large pool of incredibly talented people working on this show,just my opinion, and they always come up with a wonderful show. I have heard Patricia say many times that she acts by responding to the other actors in the moment. Watch the Museum of Television & Radio interview in the special features of season 2 dvd. Then watch the episode ‘Too Close to Call’ and listen to the commentary by Miguel Sandoval. He talks about the scene where Allison is in his office and he’s supposed to be yelling at her, and that scene was done very much ‘in the moment’, with the actors playing off of one another and just going with the scene. I would say that this group of actors and directors has found a way to work very well together.
Eric
Jun 9, 2007 at 9:13 am
Eric…
Sacha Noam Baron Cohen is an English comedian and actor most noted…
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