![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
amezriCourtesy of the good (hah!) people are SciFi.com:
FARSCAPE CANCELLATION F.A.Q.
Q: SCI FI cited poor ratings as a reason for the cancellation. Aren't the ratings as high as they have ever been?
A: The fact is, ratings for the series have declined. Farscape's average primetime rating for original episodes in 2001 was a 1.4 [1,611,000 actual viewers] (Farscape's "rating" represents the percentage of homes that can get SCI FI Channel that tuned into the show). The show peaked in March 2001 with the season 3 premiere earning a 1.9. However, in 2002, season four's original episodes averaged a 1.2 [1,544,000 viewers]. Also, despite the fact that SCI FI is now available in nearly 3 million more homes than it was during season 3, the actual number of viewers for Farscape has gone down.
Additionally, in past seasons, Farscape had built upon its lead-in program (i.e., had more viewers than the program preceding it - a standard industry indicator of a show's success). For example, during the summer of 2001, Farscape increased 44% in ratings and 51% in households over its lead-in, The Invisible Man. However, this past summer, Farscape lost 29% of its lead-in program in terms of ratings, and 27% in households.
Q: SCI FI also cited "the rising cost of production" for the cancellation. Isn't it true that the costs have not changed between seasons 4 and 5?
A: While it is true that there was no rise in production costs between seasons 4 and 5, there was a very steep rise in cost between seasons 3 and 4. At that time, the cost-benefit ratio was far more equitable - Farscape was the highest rated original series on the Channel and it consistently performed well. In light of the fact that the ratings failed to maintain, and actually suffered a decline during season 4, the overall high cost to produce Farscape became an issue. We were faced with a show that was costing considerably more than it had during its first three seasons, while attracting a smaller audience. Farscape was failing to meet its advertising estimates and its continuation for a full 22-episode fifth season no longer made financial sense.
Q: Did SCI FI have any intention of producing season 5, or was the two-season pick-up announcement just a publicity stunt?
A: SCI FI had every intention of going forward with season 5 when the initial deal was made. However, with the slip in ratings, we could not justify production of another 22 episodes at Farscape's current high cost. We then immediately began an aggressive pursuit of a shortened 13-episode season 5. We did this knowing that we would be forced to incur significant financial penalties, above and beyond the usual per-episode cost of production. Up until the last moment, we all believed that this would work out. Unfortunately, we could not come to terms with our production partners. We certainly did not want to see Farscape end abruptly. We are disappointed to have the series end this way.
Q: Didn't you hurt the ratings by changing Farscape's time period?
A: Farscape was moved to the 10pm spot in the hopes that new SCI FI viewers tuning into the debut of Stargate SG-1 would stay around to sample Farscape and become hooked on the show. For the first few weeks of the new SCI FI Friday lineup, we even created special episodic promotions for Farscape that aired within Stargate, in an effort to push viewers to Farscape. However, despite the fact that large numbers of new viewers did show up to watch Stargate, not enough of them stayed tuned for Farscape.
One other unfortunate point to note is that at 10pm, Farscape faced no competition from UPN, WB or Fox, as those networks stop broadcasting dramatic shows after 10pm, and in most markets switch to local news. Yet, even with less broadcast network competition at 10pm than at 9pm, Farscape's ratings still declined this season.
Q: Wasn't SCI FI's lack of promotion of Farscape directly to blame for the series' failure to reach new viewers? Stargate SG-1 was given far more promotion by the network.
A: This is a misconception. SCI FI made a conscious decision to promote both Friday night original series equally. All of our promotion was directed at the night - SCI FI Fridays. Therefore, Farscape received equal advertising and promotional dollars as Stargate SG-1, and received more marketing support for the launch of season 4 than it had at any other time aside from its premiere. In fact, over the years, SCI FI has dedicated more promotional dollars to Farscape than to any other SCI FI original series.
Q: How can you call Farscape a "beloved show" and still cancel it?
A: Despite what many seem to believe, those who work at SCI FI Channel truly love Farscape. It was one of our first original series, and became our signature show. With four full seasons, it is also the Channel's longest running original series. However, television is a business and despite every effort on our part, with the ratings dipping, the Channel could not commit to the high financial cost of producing another season. We were deeply involved in Farscape's inception and development and continue to be extremely proud of the series. Farscape was birthed here and ran for four full seasons - it was a very difficult decision.
Q: Is it true that SCI FI cancelled Farscape in order to finance another season of Stargate SG-1?
A: No. Negotiations for the series are completely separate. The decision to end Farscape after season 4 was based solely on its ratings performance in relation to its high cost of production. Whether we do more episodes of Stargate or not has nothing to do with Farscape.
Q: Why won't SCI FI Channel release Farscape to another network? Wouldn't that save the show?
A: SCI FI has not been approached to release Farscape to another network. From what we understand, despite efforts otherwise, there was no deal possibility for the show at any other network.
Q: Did SCI FI make the cancellation announcement on a Friday to keep it quiet?
A: Actually, SCI FI did not make the announcement. As of close of business on Friday, September 6, we were still in negotiations regarding Farscape's future. Late that night, unbeknownst to SCI FI, the cancellation was announced to fans via an impromptu online chat conducted by a few people at the production. We confirmed the news when it became official on Monday morning.
Q: Is it true that SCI FI automatically deletes any e-mail with the word "Farscape" in it?
A: This is not the practice of the Channel. However, we have requested that fans direct their e-mails to a specific e-mail address (programming@scifi.com) in order for us to monitor and keep track of their messages. It is only when messages are sent directly to SCI FI employees that there is a danger of deletion, since our mailboxes can only handle a certain volume of e-mails. They simply cannot all be read. We request viewers to direct their messages to the appropriate addresses. Viewers are also encouraged to direct their phone calls to our Viewer Hotline, (212) 413-5679, which is checked frequently throughout each business day.
Q: There are rumors that SCI FI cancelled the series because "the network brass hated the series." Is this true?
A: Once again, there is no truth to those rumors. Farscape's greatest supporters can be found at the Channel. Farscape's creator, Rockne O'Bannon, has even been quoted in a recent interview as stating that SCI FI Channel President "Bonnie (Hammer) has always been a real strong supporter of the series and seen the value in it." This has been an extraordinarily difficult decision to reach for all of us here at SCI FI, at every level.
Q: Have the sets been destroyed?
A: Although they were initially scheduled to be struck during the week of September 9, SCI FI Channel requested a reprieve as any possibility of saving the series was explored. Unfortunately, we understand that the sets will now be struck by Friday, September 20.
Q: Is it true that Farscape has been taken off the air?
A: No. The remaining eleven new episodes of season 4 will begin airing in January. Additionally, SCI FI will air an 11-episode Farscape Chain Reaction on December 24 from 8am - 7pm ET/PT. After the conclusion of season 4, all four seasons of Farscape will continue to air on SCI FI in repeats.
What a load of shite. To read Bloodomen's well-spoken response, click here.
In other news, I missed DK and Froon's chat last night. Here's a transcript of what was said:
09/19/2002 - David Kemper and Richard Manning Speak
< Barbarella> ok that's it for this room I'm capping it
< FrooniumRicky> DK is warming up his fingers
< FrooniumRicky> And don't ask how
< Barbarella> must be some exercise routine then
< FrooniumRicky> 99 bottles of beer on the wall, 99 bottles of bee-ah...
< FrooniumRicky> If one of those highly acclaimed sci-fi series should happen to fall, 98 bottles of beer on the wall...
< FrooniumRicky> So, a Scarran walks into a bar...
< FrooniumRicky> "Why the long face?"
< DK> Okay, Gang, why don't I start.
< Barbarella> yes
< Barbarella> we're good to go
< DK> I figure someone just might post this anyway, so everyone
< Barbarella> we have all the relays setup around the server now
< DK> might have a chance to see what we're saying.
< FrooniumRicky> I'd say that's likely.
< DK> Good morning, afternoon, evening, wherever you may be.
< DK> I can't say if it was a quid pro quo
< DK> but when all of you
< DK> and many other dedicated fans
< DK> started voicing your displeasure at Farscape's cancellation
< DK> we suddenly found ourselves in a re-opened negotiation with
< DK> the SF Channel regarding more episodes.
< DK> So much for the good news.
< DK> Can't make a show without the dollars and the commitment of the channel that airs you.
< DK> Nothing changed really.
< DK> At the moment, there is no new eps of Farscape on the horizon.
< DK> But, a few thoughts...
< DK> First
< DK> What you have done/are doing is not wasted.
< DK> It is good.
< DK> Things change.
< DK> Things move.
< DK> Just not when you want them to sometimes.
< DK> Here's what I mean...
< DK> Our best 11 eps of Farscape
< DK> are coming up in January.
< DK> Ben called me 2 nights ago after midnight. He and his family
< DK> had just finished watching the finished version of
< DK> 413.
< DK> He couldn't believe that anyone would cancel this show.
< DK> I agree.
< DK> Wait till you see what we've got coming for you.
< DK> Okay. Stay here -- it'll all tie together in the end
< DK> Like Farscape.
< DK> Yep. Sets are down.
< DK> Nope
< DK> not the end of the world.
< DK> Ricky and I even took a few pieces
< DK> that we'll auction off for charity soon.
< DK> You may yet get to have a piece of the old girl.
< DK> I saw SF Channel's FAQ post.
< DK> Somebody (over a dozen
< DK> people) passed it on to me.
< DK> Okay.
< DK> I'd like to add a tiny bit of perspective
< DK> to the situation.
< DK> Just my informed opinion, you understand.
< DK> Couldn't be the truth.
< DK> No way. Uh uh.
< DK> Just an opinion, you understand...
< DK> Our ratings dropped for a variety of reasons.
< DK> One is certainly the time slot move.
< DK> We have direct competition in Odyssey 5 on Showtime.
< DK> We've lost some people there. A few.
< DK> NOTE: Every single person on O5 is a friend of mine.
< DK> They are great.
< DK> I watch their show.
< DK> I like their show.
< DK> It's a good show to watch.
< DK> Tell them I say hello.
< DK> Every single 1/10 th point that we drop. Let's talk about it.
< DK> We dropped, what, on average? 2/10ths.
< DK> Each 1/10 represents 3 people in America with a Neilson box.
< DK> Three.
< DK> Tres.
< DK> So six people somewhere stopped watching or went somewhere else or went into
< DK> prolonged labor (labour for our friends in Oz and UK)
< DK> and we're no longer a viable show.
< DK> I completely understand.
< DK> We're also hurt by the community you've established
< DK> amoung yourselves.
< DK> You watch our show in groups.
< DK> Clusters.
< DK> Gaggles.
< DK> Pods.
< DK> The way it's meant to be shared.
< DK> If you're alone -- you get online
< DK> while it's on and share the experience.
< DK> They don't count gaggles.
< DK> Only singles.
< DK> We should've made the damn show for 14 year old boys.
< DK> Jeez, did we screw up.
< DK> Okay...
< DK> let's see...
< FrooniumRicky> Hang on
< FrooniumRicky> He's looking at his notes
< FrooniumRicky> He's whistling in my ear
< FrooniumRicky> (on the phone, people, on the Phone)
< FrooniumRicky> Techno in action
< DK> We've lost some of Stargate's lead-in.
< DK> We have.
< DK> But "why."
< DK> Perhaps the audiences are not a perfect ourlap
< DK> overlap.
< DK> Where's Annabel when I need her to corrict my horendus spelng?
< DK> Anyway.
< DK> The audience's are not exactly the same.
< DK> Were they to be on the same network at the same time,
< DK> The Practice would not be scheduled behind Saved By the Bell.
< DK> However, SFC is a small channel.
< DK> There ISN"T anything else to pair with us at the time.
< DK> We've been waiting, but there was never a compatible show
< DK> build to work with us.
< DK> Fine. We all take what we get.
< DK> But I personally
< DK> PERSONAL OPINION, ONLY FOLKS --
< DK> don't buy that as a reason to cite when trying to
< DK> explain a cancellation.
< DK> (...somewhere, Ben is smiling...)
< DK> I won't even talk about the marketing.
< DK> I wish to remain a free man.
< DK> Lastly, re the FAQs -- despite all claims that we were all still negotiating\
< DK> at the time when the sets were first going under the hammer
< DK> --before the reprieve --
< DK> We had received a cancellation letter.
< DK> Thank you, but no more, thank you.
< DK> What to do?
< DK> Well -- sets can be rebuilt.
< DK> We've photographed them
< DK> and have all the blueprints.
< DK> No biggie.
< DK> Rock and I are working on "a script."
< DK> We all have 22 episodes of what might have been the final season
< DK> of Farscape
< DK> -- it COULD have gone longer if you gaggles had just
< DK> each sat alone in your own rooms
< DK> and watched the show without
< DK> going into labor/labour.
< DK> Anyway. They're the best damn eps
< DK> you will hopefully someday get to see.
< DK> Why?
< DK> Why are they so good?
< DK> I'll tell you why...
< DK> Several reporters and commentators
< DK> have hit on this.
< DK> We know it.
< DK> YOU know it in your soul.
< DK> I think there are some --
< DK> good gracious, this is the first time I've ever typed
< DK> these letters
< DK> since I used to BE one of 'em --
< DK> TPTB's that don't get it.
< DK> Even now.
< DK> The unwritten 22 eps of Scape are the best
< DK> because they are
< DK> THE END OF THE DAMN STORY.
< DK> It's why we've all worked and watched so hard.
< DK> To see the end.
< DK> Someone in the LA times wrote --
< DK> and it was forwarded to me
< DK> by a sympathetic syndicated columnist --
< DK> that you wouldn't got to a movie if they didn't show you the end.
< DK> You wouldn't buy the next novel if the last 100 pages were torn out.
< DK> But, I swear to you...
< DK> Certain TPTB's think this is just a show with a bunch of
< DK> eps strung together in a row.
< DK> It's a single story.
< DK> A love story.
< DK> Multiple love stories woven together into a careful tapestry.
< DK> You DO NOT understand how hard we've all worked to make that
< DK> satisfying for you -- despite a few glitches.
< DK> However -- we're even proud of the glitches.
< DK> I immodestly think -- along with the rest of the cast and crew --
< DK> that our cretins are better than most others' swans.
< DK> ;-)
< DK> Hey!
< DK> You guys got some cash?
< DK> I love the ads.
< DK> We love the ads.
< DK> You are so wonderful and nice.
< DK> Save the money. Let it earn
< DK> interest in the bank.
< DK> We come on in Jan.
< DK> Last 11 eps.
< DK> Wait till you see. Wait till everyone sees.
< DK> Take ads then.
< DK> Remind the world.
< DK> It'll be hard to miss us unless they run us at 3:37 am out of a broadcast station in Rhodesia.
< DK> Spread the word.
< DK> No labor/labour then.
< DK> Watch alone.
< DK> Be 14.
< DK> But, as Ben says --
< DK> "Get us a 2.0 rating."
< DK> Then smile.
< DK> I promise you,
< DK> the people who make Farscape are ready to make more.
< DK> Maybe we'll get the chance.
< DK> Maybe YOU will give us that chance.
< DK> On a personal note
< DK> I will probably not be checking in unless one of the inner circle
< DK> asks me again to say some words.
< DK> We have another series to create.
< DK> The team plans to stay together.
< DK> There will be more/others/different.
< DK> They won't be Scape, but we can't have everything at the time and place we want it.
< DK> I mean, they never do the Sports Illustrated swimsuit shoot in MY neighborhood.
< DK> But,
< DK> there is always the chance.
< DK> This is not smoke.
< DK> I'm too tired and old to blow smoke.
< DK> Ratings rise. Noise is made. February rolls around...
< DK> I'm actually -- really -- smiling.
< DK> I'd love to see it happen.
< DK> It would also mean it happened because of you.
< DK> Come to think of it --
< DK> This whole damn thing has happened because of you.
< DK> You get it.
< DK> You know it's one story.
< DK> A love story.
< DK> An epic, frelling love story.
< DK> Personally, I am really sad.
< DK> It wouldn't've been that hard to let the story finish.
< DK> Anyway...
< DK> Thank you all.
< DK> I will expect our paths will cross on the airwaves in the future.
< DK> In the meantime--
< DK> Keep watching Farscape.
< DK> In record numbers.
< DK> Stay with the story.
< DK> Ben and Ricky and all the others and myself
< DK> are not dead yet.
< DK> We're just unemployed.
< DK> Thank you all for the last 4 plus years.
< DK> It is now time for us to step back.
< DK> Stay a community.
< DK> Maintain your Farscape friends.
< DK> We're in the process of doing that ourselves.
< DK> It is a comfort and a blessing.
< DK> Look at all the cool things Mr. O'Bannon's little brainstorm did for all of us.
< DK> Good night from Sydney.
< DK> DK out.
< Barbarella> Well DK I have one thing to say as I'm sure all scapers are saying thru all these PM's to Pygar
< Barbarella> We plan to keep it alive and we plan to show the world thru our local efforts and Online efforts that we intend to get people involved with this that Farscape is here to stay and we WILL get that 5th season
< Barbarella> And this community can do it
< Barbarella> Froon any words of wisdom from the master of mamboshirts?
< FrooniumRicky> DK is a hard act to follow
< FrooniumRicky> I want to thank everyone as well
< FrooniumRicky> I have made wonderful friends on this show...
< FrooniumRicky> Before the cameras, behind the cameras...
< FrooniumRicky> And Out There in the Real World as well...
< FrooniumRicky> Every tv crew is a "family"...
< FrooniumRicky> Some are less dysfunctional than others
< FrooniumRicky> Farscape's family is the best.
< FrooniumRicky> And that family includes all of you.
< FrooniumRicky> Rock, DK, Ben...
< FrooniumRicky> ...everyone hearing the "sound" of my "voice"...
< FrooniumRicky> Thank you for four of the best and most FUN years of my life.
< FrooniumRicky> (Thanks to Barbarella for wrestling the server to the ground so we could speak to you.)
< FrooniumRicky> See you in January.
< Barbarella> anytime sugar
< Barbarella> and we won't give up till we get that season 5
< Barbarella> I assue you we're just begining we have the global rally planned "A 5th of Farscape"
< Barbarella> that should get lots of attention we already have press involved
< Barbarella> lots of sites and more to come...we haven't even begun to fight
< Barbarella> because we love you guys and the "Love Story" that is the Greatest SCIFI on TV Today
< FrooniumRicky> Thanks again.
< Barbarella> you want me to unmode the room?
< FrooniumRicky> Keep watching.
< FrooniumRicky> We now return control of your chat room to you.
< FrooniumRicky> Drive safely.
< FrooniumRicky> "When the string is long, the pig is late."
< FrooniumRicky> Take care.
< Barbarella> FARSCAPE LIVES GUYS!!! SCAPERS NEVER SAY DIE!!!!!!
FARSCAPE CANCELLATION F.A.Q.
Q: SCI FI cited poor ratings as a reason for the cancellation. Aren't the ratings as high as they have ever been?
A: The fact is, ratings for the series have declined. Farscape's average primetime rating for original episodes in 2001 was a 1.4 [1,611,000 actual viewers] (Farscape's "rating" represents the percentage of homes that can get SCI FI Channel that tuned into the show). The show peaked in March 2001 with the season 3 premiere earning a 1.9. However, in 2002, season four's original episodes averaged a 1.2 [1,544,000 viewers]. Also, despite the fact that SCI FI is now available in nearly 3 million more homes than it was during season 3, the actual number of viewers for Farscape has gone down.
Additionally, in past seasons, Farscape had built upon its lead-in program (i.e., had more viewers than the program preceding it - a standard industry indicator of a show's success). For example, during the summer of 2001, Farscape increased 44% in ratings and 51% in households over its lead-in, The Invisible Man. However, this past summer, Farscape lost 29% of its lead-in program in terms of ratings, and 27% in households.
Q: SCI FI also cited "the rising cost of production" for the cancellation. Isn't it true that the costs have not changed between seasons 4 and 5?
A: While it is true that there was no rise in production costs between seasons 4 and 5, there was a very steep rise in cost between seasons 3 and 4. At that time, the cost-benefit ratio was far more equitable - Farscape was the highest rated original series on the Channel and it consistently performed well. In light of the fact that the ratings failed to maintain, and actually suffered a decline during season 4, the overall high cost to produce Farscape became an issue. We were faced with a show that was costing considerably more than it had during its first three seasons, while attracting a smaller audience. Farscape was failing to meet its advertising estimates and its continuation for a full 22-episode fifth season no longer made financial sense.
Q: Did SCI FI have any intention of producing season 5, or was the two-season pick-up announcement just a publicity stunt?
A: SCI FI had every intention of going forward with season 5 when the initial deal was made. However, with the slip in ratings, we could not justify production of another 22 episodes at Farscape's current high cost. We then immediately began an aggressive pursuit of a shortened 13-episode season 5. We did this knowing that we would be forced to incur significant financial penalties, above and beyond the usual per-episode cost of production. Up until the last moment, we all believed that this would work out. Unfortunately, we could not come to terms with our production partners. We certainly did not want to see Farscape end abruptly. We are disappointed to have the series end this way.
Q: Didn't you hurt the ratings by changing Farscape's time period?
A: Farscape was moved to the 10pm spot in the hopes that new SCI FI viewers tuning into the debut of Stargate SG-1 would stay around to sample Farscape and become hooked on the show. For the first few weeks of the new SCI FI Friday lineup, we even created special episodic promotions for Farscape that aired within Stargate, in an effort to push viewers to Farscape. However, despite the fact that large numbers of new viewers did show up to watch Stargate, not enough of them stayed tuned for Farscape.
One other unfortunate point to note is that at 10pm, Farscape faced no competition from UPN, WB or Fox, as those networks stop broadcasting dramatic shows after 10pm, and in most markets switch to local news. Yet, even with less broadcast network competition at 10pm than at 9pm, Farscape's ratings still declined this season.
Q: Wasn't SCI FI's lack of promotion of Farscape directly to blame for the series' failure to reach new viewers? Stargate SG-1 was given far more promotion by the network.
A: This is a misconception. SCI FI made a conscious decision to promote both Friday night original series equally. All of our promotion was directed at the night - SCI FI Fridays. Therefore, Farscape received equal advertising and promotional dollars as Stargate SG-1, and received more marketing support for the launch of season 4 than it had at any other time aside from its premiere. In fact, over the years, SCI FI has dedicated more promotional dollars to Farscape than to any other SCI FI original series.
Q: How can you call Farscape a "beloved show" and still cancel it?
A: Despite what many seem to believe, those who work at SCI FI Channel truly love Farscape. It was one of our first original series, and became our signature show. With four full seasons, it is also the Channel's longest running original series. However, television is a business and despite every effort on our part, with the ratings dipping, the Channel could not commit to the high financial cost of producing another season. We were deeply involved in Farscape's inception and development and continue to be extremely proud of the series. Farscape was birthed here and ran for four full seasons - it was a very difficult decision.
Q: Is it true that SCI FI cancelled Farscape in order to finance another season of Stargate SG-1?
A: No. Negotiations for the series are completely separate. The decision to end Farscape after season 4 was based solely on its ratings performance in relation to its high cost of production. Whether we do more episodes of Stargate or not has nothing to do with Farscape.
Q: Why won't SCI FI Channel release Farscape to another network? Wouldn't that save the show?
A: SCI FI has not been approached to release Farscape to another network. From what we understand, despite efforts otherwise, there was no deal possibility for the show at any other network.
Q: Did SCI FI make the cancellation announcement on a Friday to keep it quiet?
A: Actually, SCI FI did not make the announcement. As of close of business on Friday, September 6, we were still in negotiations regarding Farscape's future. Late that night, unbeknownst to SCI FI, the cancellation was announced to fans via an impromptu online chat conducted by a few people at the production. We confirmed the news when it became official on Monday morning.
Q: Is it true that SCI FI automatically deletes any e-mail with the word "Farscape" in it?
A: This is not the practice of the Channel. However, we have requested that fans direct their e-mails to a specific e-mail address (programming@scifi.com) in order for us to monitor and keep track of their messages. It is only when messages are sent directly to SCI FI employees that there is a danger of deletion, since our mailboxes can only handle a certain volume of e-mails. They simply cannot all be read. We request viewers to direct their messages to the appropriate addresses. Viewers are also encouraged to direct their phone calls to our Viewer Hotline, (212) 413-5679, which is checked frequently throughout each business day.
Q: There are rumors that SCI FI cancelled the series because "the network brass hated the series." Is this true?
A: Once again, there is no truth to those rumors. Farscape's greatest supporters can be found at the Channel. Farscape's creator, Rockne O'Bannon, has even been quoted in a recent interview as stating that SCI FI Channel President "Bonnie (Hammer) has always been a real strong supporter of the series and seen the value in it." This has been an extraordinarily difficult decision to reach for all of us here at SCI FI, at every level.
Q: Have the sets been destroyed?
A: Although they were initially scheduled to be struck during the week of September 9, SCI FI Channel requested a reprieve as any possibility of saving the series was explored. Unfortunately, we understand that the sets will now be struck by Friday, September 20.
Q: Is it true that Farscape has been taken off the air?
A: No. The remaining eleven new episodes of season 4 will begin airing in January. Additionally, SCI FI will air an 11-episode Farscape Chain Reaction on December 24 from 8am - 7pm ET/PT. After the conclusion of season 4, all four seasons of Farscape will continue to air on SCI FI in repeats.
What a load of shite. To read Bloodomen's well-spoken response, click here.
In other news, I missed DK and Froon's chat last night. Here's a transcript of what was said:
09/19/2002 - David Kemper and Richard Manning Speak
< Barbarella> ok that's it for this room I'm capping it
< FrooniumRicky> DK is warming up his fingers
< FrooniumRicky> And don't ask how
< Barbarella> must be some exercise routine then
< FrooniumRicky> 99 bottles of beer on the wall, 99 bottles of bee-ah...
< FrooniumRicky> If one of those highly acclaimed sci-fi series should happen to fall, 98 bottles of beer on the wall...
< FrooniumRicky> So, a Scarran walks into a bar...
< FrooniumRicky> "Why the long face?"
< DK> Okay, Gang, why don't I start.
< Barbarella> yes
< Barbarella> we're good to go
< DK> I figure someone just might post this anyway, so everyone
< Barbarella> we have all the relays setup around the server now
< DK> might have a chance to see what we're saying.
< FrooniumRicky> I'd say that's likely.
< DK> Good morning, afternoon, evening, wherever you may be.
< DK> I can't say if it was a quid pro quo
< DK> but when all of you
< DK> and many other dedicated fans
< DK> started voicing your displeasure at Farscape's cancellation
< DK> we suddenly found ourselves in a re-opened negotiation with
< DK> the SF Channel regarding more episodes.
< DK> So much for the good news.
< DK> Can't make a show without the dollars and the commitment of the channel that airs you.
< DK> Nothing changed really.
< DK> At the moment, there is no new eps of Farscape on the horizon.
< DK> But, a few thoughts...
< DK> First
< DK> What you have done/are doing is not wasted.
< DK> It is good.
< DK> Things change.
< DK> Things move.
< DK> Just not when you want them to sometimes.
< DK> Here's what I mean...
< DK> Our best 11 eps of Farscape
< DK> are coming up in January.
< DK> Ben called me 2 nights ago after midnight. He and his family
< DK> had just finished watching the finished version of
< DK> 413.
< DK> He couldn't believe that anyone would cancel this show.
< DK> I agree.
< DK> Wait till you see what we've got coming for you.
< DK> Okay. Stay here -- it'll all tie together in the end
< DK> Like Farscape.
< DK> Yep. Sets are down.
< DK> Nope
< DK> not the end of the world.
< DK> Ricky and I even took a few pieces
< DK> that we'll auction off for charity soon.
< DK> You may yet get to have a piece of the old girl.
< DK> I saw SF Channel's FAQ post.
< DK> Somebody (over a dozen
< DK> people) passed it on to me.
< DK> Okay.
< DK> I'd like to add a tiny bit of perspective
< DK> to the situation.
< DK> Just my informed opinion, you understand.
< DK> Couldn't be the truth.
< DK> No way. Uh uh.
< DK> Just an opinion, you understand...
< DK> Our ratings dropped for a variety of reasons.
< DK> One is certainly the time slot move.
< DK> We have direct competition in Odyssey 5 on Showtime.
< DK> We've lost some people there. A few.
< DK> NOTE: Every single person on O5 is a friend of mine.
< DK> They are great.
< DK> I watch their show.
< DK> I like their show.
< DK> It's a good show to watch.
< DK> Tell them I say hello.
< DK> Every single 1/10 th point that we drop. Let's talk about it.
< DK> We dropped, what, on average? 2/10ths.
< DK> Each 1/10 represents 3 people in America with a Neilson box.
< DK> Three.
< DK> Tres.
< DK> So six people somewhere stopped watching or went somewhere else or went into
< DK> prolonged labor (labour for our friends in Oz and UK)
< DK> and we're no longer a viable show.
< DK> I completely understand.
< DK> We're also hurt by the community you've established
< DK> amoung yourselves.
< DK> You watch our show in groups.
< DK> Clusters.
< DK> Gaggles.
< DK> Pods.
< DK> The way it's meant to be shared.
< DK> If you're alone -- you get online
< DK> while it's on and share the experience.
< DK> They don't count gaggles.
< DK> Only singles.
< DK> We should've made the damn show for 14 year old boys.
< DK> Jeez, did we screw up.
< DK> Okay...
< DK> let's see...
< FrooniumRicky> Hang on
< FrooniumRicky> He's looking at his notes
< FrooniumRicky> He's whistling in my ear
< FrooniumRicky> (on the phone, people, on the Phone)
< FrooniumRicky> Techno in action
< DK> We've lost some of Stargate's lead-in.
< DK> We have.
< DK> But "why."
< DK> Perhaps the audiences are not a perfect ourlap
< DK> overlap.
< DK> Where's Annabel when I need her to corrict my horendus spelng?
< DK> Anyway.
< DK> The audience's are not exactly the same.
< DK> Were they to be on the same network at the same time,
< DK> The Practice would not be scheduled behind Saved By the Bell.
< DK> However, SFC is a small channel.
< DK> There ISN"T anything else to pair with us at the time.
< DK> We've been waiting, but there was never a compatible show
< DK> build to work with us.
< DK> Fine. We all take what we get.
< DK> But I personally
< DK> PERSONAL OPINION, ONLY FOLKS --
< DK> don't buy that as a reason to cite when trying to
< DK> explain a cancellation.
< DK> (...somewhere, Ben is smiling...)
< DK> I won't even talk about the marketing.
< DK> I wish to remain a free man.
< DK> Lastly, re the FAQs -- despite all claims that we were all still negotiating\
< DK> at the time when the sets were first going under the hammer
< DK> --before the reprieve --
< DK> We had received a cancellation letter.
< DK> Thank you, but no more, thank you.
< DK> What to do?
< DK> Well -- sets can be rebuilt.
< DK> We've photographed them
< DK> and have all the blueprints.
< DK> No biggie.
< DK> Rock and I are working on "a script."
< DK> We all have 22 episodes of what might have been the final season
< DK> of Farscape
< DK> -- it COULD have gone longer if you gaggles had just
< DK> each sat alone in your own rooms
< DK> and watched the show without
< DK> going into labor/labour.
< DK> Anyway. They're the best damn eps
< DK> you will hopefully someday get to see.
< DK> Why?
< DK> Why are they so good?
< DK> I'll tell you why...
< DK> Several reporters and commentators
< DK> have hit on this.
< DK> We know it.
< DK> YOU know it in your soul.
< DK> I think there are some --
< DK> good gracious, this is the first time I've ever typed
< DK> these letters
< DK> since I used to BE one of 'em --
< DK> TPTB's that don't get it.
< DK> Even now.
< DK> The unwritten 22 eps of Scape are the best
< DK> because they are
< DK> THE END OF THE DAMN STORY.
< DK> It's why we've all worked and watched so hard.
< DK> To see the end.
< DK> Someone in the LA times wrote --
< DK> and it was forwarded to me
< DK> by a sympathetic syndicated columnist --
< DK> that you wouldn't got to a movie if they didn't show you the end.
< DK> You wouldn't buy the next novel if the last 100 pages were torn out.
< DK> But, I swear to you...
< DK> Certain TPTB's think this is just a show with a bunch of
< DK> eps strung together in a row.
< DK> It's a single story.
< DK> A love story.
< DK> Multiple love stories woven together into a careful tapestry.
< DK> You DO NOT understand how hard we've all worked to make that
< DK> satisfying for you -- despite a few glitches.
< DK> However -- we're even proud of the glitches.
< DK> I immodestly think -- along with the rest of the cast and crew --
< DK> that our cretins are better than most others' swans.
< DK> ;-)
< DK> Hey!
< DK> You guys got some cash?
< DK> I love the ads.
< DK> We love the ads.
< DK> You are so wonderful and nice.
< DK> Save the money. Let it earn
< DK> interest in the bank.
< DK> We come on in Jan.
< DK> Last 11 eps.
< DK> Wait till you see. Wait till everyone sees.
< DK> Take ads then.
< DK> Remind the world.
< DK> It'll be hard to miss us unless they run us at 3:37 am out of a broadcast station in Rhodesia.
< DK> Spread the word.
< DK> No labor/labour then.
< DK> Watch alone.
< DK> Be 14.
< DK> But, as Ben says --
< DK> "Get us a 2.0 rating."
< DK> Then smile.
< DK> I promise you,
< DK> the people who make Farscape are ready to make more.
< DK> Maybe we'll get the chance.
< DK> Maybe YOU will give us that chance.
< DK> On a personal note
< DK> I will probably not be checking in unless one of the inner circle
< DK> asks me again to say some words.
< DK> We have another series to create.
< DK> The team plans to stay together.
< DK> There will be more/others/different.
< DK> They won't be Scape, but we can't have everything at the time and place we want it.
< DK> I mean, they never do the Sports Illustrated swimsuit shoot in MY neighborhood.
< DK> But,
< DK> there is always the chance.
< DK> This is not smoke.
< DK> I'm too tired and old to blow smoke.
< DK> Ratings rise. Noise is made. February rolls around...
< DK> I'm actually -- really -- smiling.
< DK> I'd love to see it happen.
< DK> It would also mean it happened because of you.
< DK> Come to think of it --
< DK> This whole damn thing has happened because of you.
< DK> You get it.
< DK> You know it's one story.
< DK> A love story.
< DK> An epic, frelling love story.
< DK> Personally, I am really sad.
< DK> It wouldn't've been that hard to let the story finish.
< DK> Anyway...
< DK> Thank you all.
< DK> I will expect our paths will cross on the airwaves in the future.
< DK> In the meantime--
< DK> Keep watching Farscape.
< DK> In record numbers.
< DK> Stay with the story.
< DK> Ben and Ricky and all the others and myself
< DK> are not dead yet.
< DK> We're just unemployed.
< DK> Thank you all for the last 4 plus years.
< DK> It is now time for us to step back.
< DK> Stay a community.
< DK> Maintain your Farscape friends.
< DK> We're in the process of doing that ourselves.
< DK> It is a comfort and a blessing.
< DK> Look at all the cool things Mr. O'Bannon's little brainstorm did for all of us.
< DK> Good night from Sydney.
< DK> DK out.
< Barbarella> Well DK I have one thing to say as I'm sure all scapers are saying thru all these PM's to Pygar
< Barbarella> We plan to keep it alive and we plan to show the world thru our local efforts and Online efforts that we intend to get people involved with this that Farscape is here to stay and we WILL get that 5th season
< Barbarella> And this community can do it
< Barbarella> Froon any words of wisdom from the master of mamboshirts?
< FrooniumRicky> DK is a hard act to follow
< FrooniumRicky> I want to thank everyone as well
< FrooniumRicky> I have made wonderful friends on this show...
< FrooniumRicky> Before the cameras, behind the cameras...
< FrooniumRicky> And Out There in the Real World as well...
< FrooniumRicky> Every tv crew is a "family"...
< FrooniumRicky> Some are less dysfunctional than others
< FrooniumRicky> Farscape's family is the best.
< FrooniumRicky> And that family includes all of you.
< FrooniumRicky> Rock, DK, Ben...
< FrooniumRicky> ...everyone hearing the "sound" of my "voice"...
< FrooniumRicky> Thank you for four of the best and most FUN years of my life.
< FrooniumRicky> (Thanks to Barbarella for wrestling the server to the ground so we could speak to you.)
< FrooniumRicky> See you in January.
< Barbarella> anytime sugar
< Barbarella> and we won't give up till we get that season 5
< Barbarella> I assue you we're just begining we have the global rally planned "A 5th of Farscape"
< Barbarella> that should get lots of attention we already have press involved
< Barbarella> lots of sites and more to come...we haven't even begun to fight
< Barbarella> because we love you guys and the "Love Story" that is the Greatest SCIFI on TV Today
< FrooniumRicky> Thanks again.
< Barbarella> you want me to unmode the room?
< FrooniumRicky> Keep watching.
< FrooniumRicky> We now return control of your chat room to you.
< FrooniumRicky> Drive safely.
< FrooniumRicky> "When the string is long, the pig is late."
< FrooniumRicky> Take care.
< Barbarella> FARSCAPE LIVES GUYS!!! SCAPERS NEVER SAY DIE!!!!!!
