Author Topic: "Almost Human" - Season the First (Read 11231 times)

YingJanshi · « **on:** 19 November 2013, 22:00:50 »

So just watched the second episode and I'm really digging this show. Its as cool as I hoped it would be. It's sci-fish without being too over the top. The production values are great. And the leads are fantastic. (Really, the "car talk" scenes are hysterical.)

And there do seem to be deeper issues to contemplate beyond the usual cop stuff. Especially so in the second episode.

So anyone else watching it? Anyone as excited about the show as I am?

FedSunsBorn · « **Reply #1 on:** 19 November 2013, 23:33:08 »

Saw most of the first episode and while I couldn't hear most of the first half(big screen TV in the middle of a loud party) I did really like what I looked at. Need to DVR this if I can't see it regularly. I am really digging the android actor. I love the idea of one that has a bit more emotion than the other models but none of the humans care to see it. And, of course, the actor who played Bones in Star Trek is great as a tough as nails cop.

Øystein · « **Reply #2 on:** 20 November 2013, 02:45:05 »

I really liked the first two episodes as well. Especially the first episode gave me a huge "Blade Runner" feel when the cop was hanging around in 'chinatown'.

The setting is good, the acting is great, and as you say, there are some underlying themes that they might explore which looks interesting. Looking forward to more.

Øystein

TS_Hawk · « **Reply #3 on:** 20 November 2013, 10:52:51 »

This kind of has a robocop feel to it but a much better job than robocop. I really enjoyed both episodes and have definitely added it to my dvr.

Klep · « **Reply #4 on:** 20 November 2013, 12:20:13 »

It's a show deeply indebted to Bladerunner, and I'm also getting shades of Ghost in the Shell. That said, it doesn't yet measure up to either of those properties. Karl Urban's character is still sketchily drawn and creating a romantic connection between him and Minka Kelly this early is definitely a mistake - it closes off some interesting story possibilities and will short-circuit their ability to do some character development. In fact, most of the characters so far are at most one-dimensional (Urban showed a bit more in the second episode and Michael Ealy's Dorian is obviously the highlight). That said, it's still early in the show, and there's solid promise in the issues they're tackling. I'm going to be sticking with this one for a while.

wantec · « **Reply #5 on:** 20 November 2013, 12:56:42 »

I enjoyed it, although I got more of an iRobot feel from it. Cop hates robots, cop has robotic body parts as a result of a bad on the job injury, cop must work with a "damaged/defective" robot to save everybody.

Foxx Ital · « **Reply #6 on:** 20 November 2013, 14:12:52 »

I really liked it, Its got great production and as other have said has a nice blade runner feeling. Which of course means it will be canceled in 5 episodes so enjoy it while you can #P

Stormcrow · « **Reply #7 on:** 20 November 2013, 15:08:32 »

Fox is bringing back The Following back in January, so Almost Human or Sleepy Hollow will be leaving Monday night, either to another night or on hiatus

Øystein · « **Reply #8 on:** 20 November 2013, 16:53:25 »

I believe Sleepy Hollow has a short season, ie 12-13 episodes.

guardiandashi · « **Reply #9 on:** 21 November 2013, 23:44:35 »

I decided to watch it tonight on a replay.
first episode I liked the former gf bothered me a little bit but I get it as a plot device / conflict thing
2nd episode I am about 3/4 though and in a way I am about ready to turn it off ... not that its a bad story but that the bad guys are so creepy evil sick that it really is bothering me.

of course the fact that I was writing a story about a rifts char I made a little bit before probably contributed a bit to my my mental solution for the ~~best~~ most effective way to deal with the perps.....

YingJanshi · « **Reply #10 on:** 22 November 2013, 00:04:03 »

Quote from: guardiandashi on 21 November 2013, 23:44:35

I decided to watch it tonight on a replay.
first episode I liked the former gf bothered me a little bit but I get it as a plot device / conflict thing
2nd episode I am about 3/4 though and in a way I am about ready to turn it off ... not that its a bad story but that the bad guys are so creepy evil sick that it really is bothering me.

of course the fact that I was writing a story about a rifts char I made a little bit before probably contributed a bit to my my mental solution for the ~~best~~ most effective way to deal with the perps.....

I understand where you're coming from. The stuff they were doing was just... #P
And that's the same reason why I don't watch L&O:SVU. I like the detectives (think they are the best of all the L&O series), but I just can't stand watching the stories. And ditto for Criminal Minds.

Marwynn · « **Reply #11 on:** 22 November 2013, 07:24:48 »

I'm enjoying it, throw in some references to megacorps and it can almost be Shadowrun-esque.

That said, I watch Sleepy Hollow too and I'd like to see both back next season.

Kret69 · « **Reply #12 on:** 22 November 2013, 08:15:04 »

I was introduced to RPG via Cyberpunk and was a real nerd in that area about 20 years ago. :)

I absolutely loved the first two episodes. It's Cyberpunk 2.0.

Although show stats are not that reassuring. It seems like they did not hit the initial target. I hope it will last longer than "Trauma" or "SGU".

YingJanshi · « **Reply #13 on:** 22 November 2013, 18:46:37 »

I really hope it lasts too. It seems like it has a lot of potential. However there are two things that make me very nervous:
1) It's an Abrams produced show. If he actually has a hand in it, then his shows seem to do okay. If he merely produces it...not so much.
2) Its a sci-fi show. On Fox. Need I say more?

I think the networks want instant hits, especially for how expensive sci-fi show generally are. However it seems like most take a least the better part of a season to get established. But most networks don't seem to want to wait that long.

Col.Hengist · « **Reply #14 on:** 22 November 2013, 21:55:37 »

Quote from: wantec on 20 November 2013, 12:56:42

I enjoyed it, although I got more of an iRobot feel from it. Cop hates robots, cop has robotic body parts as a result of a bad on the job injury, cop must work with a "damaged/defective" robot to save everybody.

It was the first thing i thought of when i saw the preview. I wondered if they were doing to name the robot R.Daniel Olivaw. I see they didn't bring over the 3 laws of robotics.

Tiger1833 · « **Reply #15 on:** 22 November 2013, 23:43:59 »

I thought it was very entertaining and had humor at all the right parts. I like the show and it is added to my list.

bytor · « **Reply #16 on:** 23 November 2013, 11:39:10 »

Quote from: Col.Hengist on 22 November 2013, 21:55:37

It was the first thing i thought of when i saw the preview. I wondered if they were doing to name the robot R.Daniel Olivaw. I see they didn't bring over the 3 laws of robotics.

The interplay between Kennex and Dorian reminded me of Elijah and Daneel from Caves of Steel, right off the bat. It's a pretty good show, it's got suspense, action and humor and both lead actors play their parts well, even if Kennex is a bit stereotypical. I'll be sticking with it.

Quote from: YingJanshi on 22 November 2013, 18:46:37

I really hope it lasts too. It seems like it has a lot of potential. However there are two things that make me very nervous:
1) It's an Abrams produced show. If he actually has a hand in it, then his shows seem to do okay. If he merely produces it...not so much.
2) Its a sci-fi show. On Fox. Need I say more?

I think the networks want instant hits, especially for how expensive sci-fi show generally are. However it seems like most take a least the better part of a season to get established. But most networks don't seem to want to wait that long.

Some good points there. Abrams had more of a hand in Fringe, which despite not having ideal ratings was able to last 5 seasons (one of my favorites, btw). Hopefully what influence he has will be felt enough to keep this one going long enough to give it a good run.

YingJanshi · « **Reply #17 on:** 26 November 2013, 21:08:59 »

So just watched the third episode. And if there were any doubts, I'm completely sold on this series. I seriously hope it will have a good run. I will say there have been several disturbing issues with the episodes so far, and yet it has something many shows don't seem to have anymore. "Hope", I don't really know how to put it. Especially for a near-future show, yes there are problems in this world, but I certainly wouldn't call it dystopian. And I like that.

Also the chemistry between Urban and Ealy is just fun to watch. And their take-down of the baddies in this one is just...Epic! 8) ;D

And a lot of the tech have been seeing in the show...super sweeet! :D
Some awesome toys in there... ;D

WarGod · « **Reply #18 on:** 27 November 2013, 13:06:25 »

I like the show. Very blade runner/ cyberpunk. Production value is good, but I do say its very much a re do of the Cop odd partners formula. All In all its a awesome show which means fox will cancel it after the second season, or put it into a crap time slot. sadly enough its a better sci fi show then , whats on sy fy these days. I do like how its slick but not all nano, star trek wonder tech.

YingJanshi · « **Reply #19 on:** 10 December 2013, 18:02:52 »

So had another episode last night.
Thought it had some interesting ideas in it.

Honestly one thing I'm really liking so far, is that each episode is different. They aren't trying to solve a murder every episode (which seems to be what every cop show these days is about). They give themselves more room to create stories.

Vash The Stampede · « **Reply #20 on:** 10 December 2013, 19:57:08 »

I've seen AH up to EP.2 and I like how the plots are differentiated, not trapped to a major plot line, but independent, like star trek (whichever you choose, I like next gen the most). Karl Urban is a great actor too. He would have actually made a better Jack Reacher than Cruise IMO.

monbvol · « **Reply #21 on:** 10 December 2013, 22:54:42 »

Quote from: YingJanshi on 10 December 2013, 18:02:52

So had another episode last night.
Thought it had some interesting ideas in it.

Honestly one thing I'm really liking so far, is that each episode is different. They aren't trying to solve a murder every episode (which seems to be what every cop show these days is about). They give themselves more room to create stories.

I think that may be my main draw to it so far, the whole not every crime is murder aspect. Frankly I've grown a bit tired of how every crime seems to be either a spy ring/major conspiracy or murder, or often both in other shows.

TS_Hawk · « **Reply #22 on:** 11 December 2013, 10:45:55 »

I love this show, I think it is done in a unique fashion with a bit of everything. And you have to love the line from the other night...that was priceless

Col.Hengist · « **Reply #23 on:** 11 December 2013, 16:07:23 »

I'm waiting for them to assault a slum complex because a major drug cartel is manufacturing drugs there... Oh wait...

wantec · « **Reply #24 on:** 16 December 2013, 13:44:24 »

Up through ep 4 and I'm enjoying the comedy between the characters, very good writing in that aspect. I hope it gets picked up and gets a good run.

I thought I read somewhere that Sleepy Hollow had already been picked up for a full second season.

Col.Hengist · « **Reply #25 on:** 16 December 2013, 14:36:43 »

Sleepy hollow should be. That's lightning in a bottle.

Colt Ward · « **Reply #26 on:** 18 December 2013, 21:39:15 »

Watched Episode 6 on Hulu tonight . . . I am really liking this, while providing entertainment the show is also willing to delve into philosophy and be introspective. I sometimes feel as if I am watching Data-like moments, but with the emotions chip.

The DNR is portrayed in an interesting way. Taking out the eye to show it off strikes me as a very male 'gizmo' moment. Dorian is very up front about being a android and in comparison to the other series- the Ken doll comments in Episode 5- seems to show he does not take himself super seriously.

With that said, its Fox . . . its not a reality show so it will be canceled before it gets off the ground.

YingJanshi · « **Reply #27 on:** 18 December 2013, 21:48:24 »

Quote from: Colt Ward on 18 December 2013, 21:39:15

Watched Episode 6 on Hulu tonight . . . I am really liking this, while providing entertainment the show is also willing to delve into philosophy and be introspective. I sometimes feel as if I am watching Data-like moments, but with the emotions chip.

The DNR is portrayed in an interesting way. Taking out the eye to show it off strikes me as a very male 'gizmo' moment. Dorian is very up front about being a android and in comparison to the other series- the Ken doll comments in Episode 5- seems to show he does not take himself super seriously.

See, that's why I really like this show. Yes there is comedy, drama, some action. Yet there is a deeper, more thoughtful undercurrent. Seems rather rare these days to have a network show that makes you think.

Quote from: Colt Ward on 18 December 2013, 21:39:15

With that said, its Fox . . . its not a reality show so it will be canceled before it gets off the ground.

Awww....don't remind me!!! Gonna make me cry... :'(

bytor · « **Reply #28 on:** 18 December 2013, 21:50:18 »

I watched the latest episode last night, loved it, too bad we have to wait three weeks for the next one. The bit where the other DNR goes running off to take out that "pep" was so laugh out loud funny that I had to stop the show and compose myself before continuing. I'm liking this show more then Agents of SHIELD.

YingJanshi · « **Reply #29 on:** 18 December 2013, 22:15:40 »

Quote from: bytor on 18 December 2013, 21:50:18

I watched the latest episode last night, loved it, too bad we have to wait three weeks for the next one. The bit where the other DNR goes running off to take out that "pep" was so laugh out loud funny that I had to stop the show and compose myself before continuing. I'm liking this show more then Agents of SHIELD.

I totally see what you mean now. Wow...someone almost owed me a doctor's visit. Was eating dinner...nearly choked laughing so hard...

bytor · « **Reply #30 on:** 18 December 2013, 22:45:22 »

Quote from: YingJanshi on 18 December 2013, 22:15:40

I totally see what you mean now. Wow...someone almost owed me a doctor's visit. Was eating dinner...nearly choked laughing so hard...

LOL! Yeah, glad I wasn't eating at the time. That's one of the main reasons I enjoy the show so much. They could have turned it into "Law & Order: The Future!", but thankfully didn't. The interplay between Dorian and John is fantastic, and Dorian being an android just sweetens the deal.

Col.Hengist · « **Reply #31 on:** 19 December 2013, 10:56:42 »

There are a lot of channels that have gone to mostly reality shows, not just fox.

YingJanshi · « **Reply #32 on:** 09 January 2014, 19:32:04 »

So, back from the holiday break?
Any thoughts on the last episode?

I thought it was pretty good. Rather creepy though.

YingJanshi · « **Reply #33 on:** 13 January 2014, 21:09:46 »

So tonight's episode was really good. I know tonight's gadget is old hat, but it was employed very well. I can actually see something like this working. Which...is actually rather terrifying.
You know, it's called "Almost Human", but it really does seem the most human cop drama on. It's also great to see a cop drama where the main cop isn't dirty or questionable. Sure he's the stereotypical tough cop, but it's nice to see one thats good at the core.

Okay, it totally sucks that we have to wait 3 weeks for the next one. :P
Good thing is that it will have John Larroquette guest starring.

Matti · « **Reply #34 on:** 14 January 2014, 09:44:36 »

Quote from: wantec on 20 November 2013, 12:56:42

I enjoyed it, although I got more of an iRobot feel from it. Cop hates robots, cop has robotic body parts as a result of a bad on the job injury, cop must work with a "damaged/defective" robot to save everybody.

Wait, that description could fit to Armitage III

Quote from: YingJanshi on 10 December 2013, 18:02:52

Honestly one thing I'm really liking so far, is that each episode is different. They aren't trying to solve a murder every episode (which seems to be what every cop show these days is about).

Quite few older cop shows had that too: Columbo, and in every episode. I want to say Hercule Poirot too, but I remember at least one episode where baddie of the week was mere thief, and Poirot just enjoyed tea with her.

Otherwise this show could be something I could buy on DVD before (if ever) it broadcasts in Finland

bytor · « **Reply #35 on:** 17 January 2014, 22:48:40 »

Quote from: YingJanshi on 13 January 2014, 21:09:46

So tonight's episode was really good. I know tonight's gadget is old hat, but it was employed very well. I can actually see something like this working. Which...is actually rather terrifying.
You know, it's called "Almost Human", but it really does seem the most human cop drama on. It's also great to see a cop drama where the main cop isn't dirty or questionable. Sure he's the stereotypical tough cop, but it's nice to see one thats good at the core.

Okay, it totally sucks that we have to wait 3 weeks for the next one. :P
Good thing is that it will have John Larroquette guest starring.

Yeah it was a good episode. I agree, there are times that Kinnex is the typical tough cop but you know there's more to him then that, and you see more then one side of him in a typical episode. Still, the interplay between Kinnex and Dorian makes the show so worthwhile. Some fantastic dialogue there.

I was wondering why the show would go on a long break for the holidays, then air two episodes and go on another 3 week break? Agents of Shield is doing the same thing, and I think they both come back the same week. You would think they would go on break during the Olympics, not before!

YingJanshi · « **Reply #36 on:** 17 January 2014, 22:56:05 »

Have no idea. Returns on Feb 3rd. #P

YingJanshi · « **Reply #37 on:** 31 January 2014, 21:07:49 »

Finally have a new episode on Monday.

But just read there are only 4 more until the season finale... :(

wantec · « **Reply #38 on:** 05 February 2014, 07:57:21 »

Just watched Monday's episode last night. Maybe we missed it in a previous episode, but the mentions of "the wall" are a nice touch. It seems like they're finally working to expand the location outward from just an urban area. Although the way they talked about it and the watch captain gave me a very game of thrones feel about the wall, whatever it is.

YingJanshi · « **Reply #39 on:** 05 February 2014, 12:32:40 »

Just watched it on Hulu last night as well. With the mention of the "Wall" and a "Lightray bomb", I was getting a very strong Judge Dredd vibe. Which I'm not sure how I feel about. I was rather liking the feel that this was just a normal city in the near future with lots of tech.

But on another note...how about Dorian's fight with the XRN? Wow... :O

Ruger · « **Reply #40 on:** 09 February 2014, 17:52:17 »

Quote from: YingJanshi on 05 February 2014, 12:32:40

Just watched it on Hulu last night as well. With the mention of the "Wall" and a "Lightray bomb", I was getting a very strong Judge Dredd vibe. Which I'm not sure how I feel about. I was rather liking the feel that this was just a normal city in the near future with lots of tech.

But on another note...how about Dorian's fight with the XRN? Wow... :O

I actually like the Judge Dredd vibe...and Dorian's fight was pretty cool too...

Ruger

YingJanshi · « **Reply #41 on:** 09 February 2014, 18:45:20 »

Hm...it's alright I guess. Had just thought we might see something a bit more original. But I guess I was hoping for too much...

An another note...anyone else feeling a little nervous that this is a short season and there's only 4 episodes left? I'm reeeeeally hoping it gets picked up for a second one...

RebelRunner · « **Reply #42 on:** 09 February 2014, 20:08:57 »

I've got it via Amazon; I think I may have to watch this. I've been watching Caprica (had to take a break from Jericho due to time crunch and haven't gotten back) and the odd BSG episode, but that's really it for my television exposure.

YingJanshi · « **Reply #43 on:** 16 March 2014, 15:57:58 »

Finally had time to watch the season finale. Wow. Great case.
Urban may get top billing, but Ealy steals the show every episode.

I'm really, really, really hoping this gets picked up for a second season. Not even to find out whats up with the wall, but just to see the friendship between John and Dorian to continue to grow.

I have to be honest, Dorian is far cooler than Data ever was....

YingJanshi · « **Reply #44 on:** 16 March 2014, 16:33:21 »

Oh for those who are interested an are able to rewatch it, here is the intended episode order (along with actual aired order):

1.01 Pilot (1.01)
1.02 You are Here (1.08)
1.03 Arrhythmia (1.06)
1.04 Perception (1.10)
1.05 Skin (1.02)
1.06 Are You Receiving (1.03)
1.07 The Bends (1.04)
1.08 Blood Brothers (1.05)
1.09 Unbound (1.09)
1.10 Simon Says (1.07)
1.11 Disrupt (1.11)
1.12 Beholder (1.12)
1.13 Straw Man (1.13)

Øystein · « **Reply #45 on:** 16 March 2014, 16:44:47 »

Honestly, I don't think the running order matter much for this show, as opposed to say, Firefly.
I've thoroughly enjoyed it so far and am hoping it gets renewed.

Kret69 · « **Reply #46 on:** 17 March 2014, 03:00:48 »

I don't have much hope for season 2 but would love to see it.

This is a great sci-fi crime series.

Klep · « **Reply #47 on:** 17 March 2014, 10:09:14 »

The as-aired order is probably better than the production order, which frontloads a lot of the serialized stuff. As-aired gives us more development of the Dorian-Kennex relationship which is the best part and the heart of the show.

YingJanshi · « **Reply #48 on:** 18 March 2014, 01:05:33 »

Quote from: Klep on 17 March 2014, 10:09:14

The as-aired order is probably better than the production order, which frontloads a lot of the serialized stuff. As-aired gives us more development of the Dorian-Kennex relationship which is the best part and the heart of the show.

Actually...looking back, there are moments where their relationship is a bit odd. One episode they're still warming to each other, the next best buds, then after that, back to frosty.

It's small stuff, but in hindsight noticeable.

monbvol · « **Reply #49 on:** 18 March 2014, 08:46:18 »

My biggest concern for the show's longevity is that there is a big enough name in a primary character spot that if he gets picked up for incompatible film work a lot of what makes the show enjoyable will be lost while he's unavailable and that could lead to the show being canceled. Why this concerns me is I suspect this will happen sooner rather then later.

wantec · « **Reply #50 on:** 18 March 2014, 11:24:29 »

Quote from: monbvol on 18 March 2014, 08:46:18

My biggest concern for the show's longevity is that there is a big enough name in a primary character spot that if he gets picked up for incompatible film work a lot of what makes the show enjoyable will be lost while he's unavailable and that could lead to the show being canceled. Why this concerns me is I suspect this will happen sooner rather then later.

Looking at IMDB, there doesn't look like much on the schedule for the 6 main characters (Kennex, Dorian, Capt Maldonaldo, Det Stahl, Det Paul, & Rudy).

monbvol · « **Reply #51 on:** 18 March 2014, 13:44:53 »

I do rather expect we'll get a second season at least. Filming is probably already underway or about to be so for it knowing what I know of how long it takes the post production folks to get something ready for TV and I wouldn't rule out a season 3 if the show stays popular enough. But 4+ is where I start feeling a bit iffy.

WarGod · « **Reply #52 on:** 18 March 2014, 14:52:52 »

I hope this show gets renewed for another season. In a net work notorious for its crap programing, Almost human shines rather well.

MrJake · « **Reply #53 on:** 18 March 2014, 19:34:44 »

I think I remember reading that it is on the cusp, ratings wise.

YingJanshi · « **Reply #54 on:** 18 March 2014, 23:16:33 »

Quote from: monbvol on 18 March 2014, 08:46:18

My biggest concern for the show's longevity is that there is a big enough name in a primary character spot that if he gets picked up for incompatible film work a lot of what makes the show enjoyable will be lost while he's unavailable and that could lead to the show being canceled. Why this concerns me is I suspect this will happen sooner rather then later.

As that is such a great concern, I'm pretty sure it would be covered in his contract.

YingJanshi · « **Reply #55 on:** 18 March 2014, 23:19:07 »

One of the rumor-theories I've heard was that FOX told the creators that they would have a full 22 episode season, but ordered the first 13, with the other 9 to be order after. But that after the 13 were finished filming, they told the creators that they only wanted the 13. So that's why the season finale felt like a mid-season episode instead of the finale.
But then its just rumor...

YingJanshi · « **Reply #56 on:** 09 May 2014, 19:32:16 »

Well...it's official. It's dead. RIP Almost Human.

...I'm going to go cry in a dark corner for a very long time now...

TS_Hawk · « **Reply #57 on:** 09 May 2014, 19:54:32 »

Yeah I saw this last night. Fox screws the pooch again.

YingJanshi · « **Reply #58 on:** 09 May 2014, 22:30:53 »

The official release from FOX says that while it had much support from the execs, it just didn't do well enough to last. But, if that were really the case, why did they air it out of order? Yes, it didn't disrupt much. But, after watching it in the intended order, the character building of all of the characters seems much better.

They say shows only fall because of poor ratings. That all of the stupid "reality" shows are what people really want to watch...but I have to wonder...do the majority of people really like those shows...or...

ColonelCody · « **Reply #59 on:** 09 May 2014, 22:47:47 »

Fox is notorious for airing scifi shows out of order. And sadly though it was one of my top-5 shows (up there with Elementary, Arrow, SHIELD and Bones) of Networks this season it is another example of Fox's incompetence and almost callous disregard for it's scifi genre shows.

YingJanshi · « **Reply #60 on:** 09 May 2014, 23:13:51 »

Yeah, though funnily enough FOX is the only one that even bothers to air scifi anymore. But I don't know why they bother. They pick them up, decide to air them...then it seems like they intentionally handicap them from the start. What gives?

ColonelCody · « **Reply #61 on:** 09 May 2014, 23:39:37 »

Well, we have FX, CW and a couple of the basic networks now too. It's no longer just Fox willing to run these shows.

cavingjan · « **Reply #62 on:** 10 May 2014, 07:06:59 »

It isn't just plain ratings. There is a cost to produce component too. I don't know if it is as simple as viewers/dollar spent but that would explain the reality shows as they are significantly cheaper to produce.

Foxx Ital · « **Reply #63 on:** 10 May 2014, 08:21:41 »

They just wanted to pull another fireFly

YingJanshi · « **Reply #64 on:** 10 May 2014, 12:58:45 »

Quote from: cavingjan on 10 May 2014, 07:06:59

It isn't just plain ratings. There is a cost to produce component too. I don't know if it is as simple as viewers/dollar spent but that would explain the reality shows as they are significantly cheaper to produce.

Yeah, but I would think they would have a good idea how much a show would cost before airing it...

I am Belch II · « **Reply #65 on:** 10 May 2014, 13:07:10 »

If it was such a popular show why was it cancelled??
It just sucks that Karl Urban couldn't get a show going, he is much better in movies tho.

monbvol · « **Reply #66 on:** 10 May 2014, 13:35:29 »

I actually suspect that may be part of the problem. Karl Urban was eventually going to be tapped to make a movie again and FOX knew they wouldn't be able to keep him despite how well he did do in the part and knew the rest of the cast wouldn't be able to carry the show with such a cast change.

cavingjan · « **Reply #67 on:** 10 May 2014, 18:01:46 »

Quote from: YingJanshi on 10 May 2014, 12:58:45

Yeah, but I would think they would have a good idea how much a show would cost before airing it...

They may have a decent estimate but CGI costs on a show like this can very tremedously based upon the focus of the episode. And of course they don't know what the viewers/ratings are going to be.

YingJanshi · « **Reply #68 on:** 10 May 2014, 19:25:24 »

Quote from: I am Belch II on 10 May 2014, 13:07:10

If it was such a popular show why was it cancelled??

I have two words for you. "Star" "Trek".

Most good Sci-Fi shows take at least two seasons to find their audience. And also most networks have never really been comfortable with Sci-Fi. Star Trek fought every season to stay on. Babylon 5 had pretty low ratings and yet it finished it's run. The BBC was always trying to kill Doctor Who.

Honestly, I would say yeah, it's sad and walk away if it wasn't so blatant that FOX had sabotaged it from the start. If they had put it in a better time slot, if they hadn't cut the number of episodes at the last minute before filming and if they had shown the episodes in the intended order...it may have done very well. But FOX never gave it that chance. So yeah, I'm a little pissed. Not so much that one of my favorite shows if gone, but that FOX gave it a chance then turned around to pull the rug from under it before it even had a chance to grow.

Quote from: I am Belch II on 10 May 2014, 13:07:10

It just sucks that Karl Urban couldn't get a show going, he is much better in movies tho.

Yeah, and the sad thing is, he said that if AH was cancelled, he probably wouldn't ever return to TV.

Quote from: monbvol on 10 May 2014, 13:35:29

I actually suspect that may be part of the problem. Karl Urban was eventually going to be tapped to make a movie again and FOX knew they wouldn't be able to keep him despite how well he did do in the part and knew the rest of the cast wouldn't be able to carry the show with such a cast change.

That would probably have been taken care of in his contract. How do other movie stars handle staring in a TV series and making movies at the same time?

monbvol · « **Reply #69 on:** 10 May 2014, 20:28:55 »

Quote from: YingJanshi on 10 May 2014, 19:25:24

That would probably have been taken care of in his contract. How do other movie stars handle staring in a TV series and making movies at the same time?

Considering how long it has been since I've heard of an actor having to film for both a role in a TV series and a role in a movie at the same time, I'd say for the most part the scenario doesn't come up anymore and I rather think any existing contract with FOX would not be a problem.

YingJanshi · « **Reply #70 on:** 10 May 2014, 20:39:50 »

Quote from: monbvol on 10 May 2014, 20:28:55

Considering how long it has been since I've heard of an actor having to film for both a role in a TV series and a role in a movie at the same time, I'd say for the most part the scenario doesn't come up anymore and I rather think any existing contract with FOX would not be a problem.

I can think of several right off the top of my head: Kevin Bacon, Kevin Spacy, Aston Kutcher, Alec Baldwin...

YingJanshi · « **Reply #71 on:** 21 September 2014, 03:21:36 »

Okay, a bit of a thread necro here, but wanted to share a couple of things.

Firstly, from what I've been able to gather, the show wasn't axed because of it's poor ratings (which relatively weren't bad at all), but because FOX got into a disagreement with WB over profits from distribution rights.

And secondly, it seems like "Almost Human" may become a second "Star Trek". There is currently an online petition going on to try to get another network to pick it up (supposedly NetFlix is tentatively interested). Can read about it here: Fox's cancelled Almost Human is seeing the Star Trek effect with online campaign.
So if you really loved the series I'd suggest signing the petition (it's linked to in the above story).

I came upon an interesting quote the other day. By Bjo Trimble about her efforts to save Star Trek from being cancelled:

Quote

NBC was also convinced that Star Trek was watched only by drooling idiot 12-year olds with no buying power. They managed to ignore the fact that people such as Isaac Asimov, a multiple PhD, and a multitude of other intellectuals enjoyed the show. So, of course, the Suits were always looking for reasons to cancel shows they didn’t trust to be raging successes. They used faulty Neilson Rating numbers to “prove” that Star Trek was failing badly, and decided to cancel it. Fans decided to take action, and we did it very well, thank you very much! So well that NBC came on, in prime time, and made a voice-over announcement that Star Trek was not canceled… so please stop writing letters.

It's interesting, but it seems like that is the exact same attitude the major networks still have about sci-fi shows.
(If you don't know who Bjo Trimble is, you should most certainly read the rest of the interview here.

Brother Jim · « **Reply #72 on:** 21 September 2014, 09:31:23 »

Thanks, I've signed it.

WarGod · « **Reply #73 on:** 21 September 2014, 09:54:57 »

signed the petition for all that is good for. look at firefly, huge petition but still not resurrected. Arrested development was resurrected for one season on netflix.

YingJanshi · « **Reply #74 on:** 21 September 2014, 12:30:03 »

Quote from: WarGod on 21 September 2014, 09:54:57

signed the petition for all that is good for. look at firefly, huge petition but still not resurrected. Arrested development was resurrected for one season on netflix.

Yeah, I know...but I'm trying to stay hopeful...

TS_Hawk · « **Reply #75 on:** 23 September 2014, 02:07:18 »

Be nice if it can be brought back on Netflix

grimlock1 · « **Reply #76 on:** 23 September 2014, 06:21:17 »

Quote from: YingJanshi on 09 May 2014, 23:13:51

Yeah, though funnily enough FOX is the only one that even bothers to air scifi anymore. But I don't know why they bother. They pick them up, decide to air them...then it seems like they intentionally handicap them from the start. What gives?

I've been asking that question for 20 years.

Von Jankmon · « **Reply #77 on:** 23 September 2014, 20:18:00 »

Quote from: YingJanshi on 10 May 2014, 19:25:24

I have two words for you. "Star" "Trek".

Most good Sci-Fi shows take at least two seasons to find their audience. And also most networks have never really been comfortable with Sci-Fi. Star Trek fought every season to stay on. Babylon 5 had pretty low ratings and yet it finished it's run. The BBC was always trying to kill Doctor Who.

cant talk much about the others but I can talk on Doctor Who. It was cancelled, or rarther descheduled with vety little presence in the 80s because the BBC chiefs, who are fsr more political figures than TV executives simply collectively disliked science fiction. They are suits, and have their own suity prefeeences which didnt string to make believe.

Once Doctor Who came back a decade ago, it came back to stay. The show is a money spinner for the BBC and attitudes there have changed somewhat. Science fiction isn't frowned upon by the top for personal reasons, and as a result there is a lot of experimentation.

There is very little risk of Doctor Who being cancelled nowadays, its a stable like it was in the 60's and 70's.