CANCELLED

[number6]

This is a truly sad, sad day. It is never a good day to lose something that you hold dear, even if it is only a TV show. Star Trek has been a lifelong tradition in my household and after May, I will sorely miss the feeling of anticipation, rushing home to see a new episode, greatful that it was fans such as myself who worked so hard to get Star Trek back on the air, only to see it die with a shrug of indifference.


I am really sad now.

 

[kasper]

I got an email from a friend telling me ENT was cancelled. It was sad and the only thing kept me was the optimism that the closure will be something fantastic, something like B5. But then a cold thought chilled my hope: It was said the Bs will write that last episode, better known as the series finale! What if they end up with something very terrible, another Alien Nazi or worse! Then I got depressed for most of the working day until a little voice kept telling me Manny Coto will fight to have the franchise finale watchable.

I will always keep Enterprise in a special place. It was the first show of ST I could watch since the first chapter aired. They started in September 2001 when I started my Ph.D. They will finish in May 2005 when I finish too. What I'm asking now is: If I've stayed longer, they'd stayed too?

Mournings,

Alex

 

[Captain Ice]

Posted by Crusher Disciple:
Well, I agree with what Phantom said earlier about showing TPTB that there is an active demand for sci-fi. I say buy the DVDs, go to conventions, talk Trek every chance you get.

Support other sci-fi shows and prove to TPTB that sci-fi is a viable option for broadcast tv. Berman and Braga's style may not have been the thing to set the moon on fire, but support well-written sci fi and maybe we'll get another Star Wars that'll make them come along and take Trek off of the shelf.

She has a point ladies and gentlemen. Lest we forget two things:

A: They really do pay attention to DVD sales figures. All one needs to do for proof of this is to take a good look at what happened to The Family Guy for proof. That show was cancelled after it's third season, put on hiatus for 5 years, and is now going back into production due to the demand for the DVD's.

B: This IS the franchise that showed everyone that it is possible for a show to rise from the grave many, many years later and beget sequels.

They may be bastards, or idiots, or whatever you want to call them, but if we all get together and vote WITH OUR WALLETS, they will listen and give us what we want. They are not dumb - if they can make money on producing new Trek, they will.

 

[PKTrekGirl]

Posted by J. Allen:
I can understand your point of view, and I don't like going and just slamming everything that is involved in ENT's cancellation, but UPN is a horrible horrible network. Look what wasn't cut: Kevin Hill? The Parkers?! These shows remained, but ENT was cancelled. It still doesn't make sense. UPN's coverage of ENT was abysmal, and their advertising was almost non existent. I remember seeing one ENT ad. The night it came on television. And during ENT I would see 5 ads for the Parkers, 3 for Kevin Hill, Smackdown, etc.

So, while I understand what you mean, UPN gets my ire for now.

-J.

Well, they advertised it like crazy during seasons 1 and season 2. But it was still losing viewers, ratings, and advertising dollars.

So much so, in fact, that if it had been any other show but Star Trek, it would have been cancelled last year. But they gave it just one last chance to pull off a Hail Mary.

But by that time, most of the folks who had initially tuned in for season 1 were long gone.

And let's face it: how many TV shows to *you* go back to two or three years later, when during the first season you saw it and thought it was lousy? For me, tha answer to that question is "none". Manny was fighting an uphill battle to get back viewers who had long since moved on. And I don't think any amount of advertising would have brought them back, unless said advertising said "Star Trek Enterprise: Under New Management". Which is something B&B would never have allowed.

Even if UPN had advertised it, unless TPTB had given viewers something concrete that would make them want to give the show another chance after 3 years of not watching, it wouldn't have worked. And like I said...they would have never advertised the fact that they had a new showrunner in charge - their egos would never have allowed it.

Even though that was the ONE thing that brought *me* back.

 

[Sxottlan]

I don't know where to begin. I honestly couldn't believe it when I saw the link on this site and had to go to Trekweb to be sure and still couldn't believe it.

I suppose I should view Season 4 as a bonus that we were lucky to get after the ratings kept going down last season despite their efforts. Yet I really didn't. I mean, I was glad and all, but figured it would just keep going. Now that it's known that it's the end, I am glad that we were able to get it to make it into syndication.

I was actually quite opposed to the idea of a Series 5 in the beginning. I really felt the franchise needed a rest and I was astonished when I learned that UPN was indeed demanding another Trek series so soon on the heals of what many considered a failure with Voyager. I was also opposed to the premise when it was revealed, thinking it was cashing in on the idea of a prequel, which was trendy at the time. That it would involve time travel made me groan.

And yet I ended up liking it. Maybe it was 9/11 happening a few weeks before the premiere, but I just wanted an hour of escapism and Enterprise filled the quota. I still believe that Season 1 of Enterprise is one of the strongest first seasons of any Trek series and had many enjoyable episodes.

Season 2, I think, is what really killed Enterprise. People were starting to let their guard down after Dead Stop and then they were sucker-punched by two solid months of mediocrity. The show's ratings never recovered after that. To have the show cancelled now after its renaissance is a very bitter pill to swallow.

Yet it's common knowledge to any television viewer that ratings and quality are rarely in synch with each other. And UPN is certainly no place to have a show to begin with. This is certainly no rash reaction that I absolutely hate UPN. Trek's return to network TV has been nothing short of a disaster. I've hated the network for the way they've done things ever since the first trailer for the first regular episode of Voyager aired. The relationship between UPN and Trek has been a sickly one: a parasite feeding off a healthy host until it becomes engorged and the host dies. The decline in ratings for Enterprise and Voyager before would have been headed off at the pass long ago on any other network, but this was also the network that demanded the blatant T&A offered up on both series and in its advertisements and the demand for a fifth series in the first place when the signs clearly pointed to there being something wrong. Because what else do they have? The network has been on the air for 11 years now and it still has no real clear identity or purpose. It's a network channel depending on cable channel ratings to get by. Of course I'd love to see UPN shut down too, but how many networks do you know of that have ever folded?

While people are trying to find one all-encompassing thing to blame (which is natural I suppose), it's countless factors that have led to this. Now one considerable chunk of blame can be laid at the feet of the producers, who coasted through the end of Voyager and the pre-production of Enterprise thinking they had a free pass. This led to the show trying to get its footing during probably one of the darkest times in Trek history, when Voyager ended on a low note and the second Trek movie in a row bombed during its second season.

There's so much potential bad and good that can come of the show being cancelled. I certainly don't look forward to the constant internet rumors of possible projects happening some time down the road that will become the norm around here and most Trek sites. But most sci-fi franchises have to put up with that so why not Trek?

I'm generally an optimist. Not on the level of some people here that still think there's a chance to save this show mind you, but still an optimist nevertheless. Some thoughts:

-Frankly, I'd prefer the show go out on the high that it's experiencing than to go on too long like so many programs on networks forced to keep going long after they've outlived their usefulness. Honestly, I think even seven seasons is too long for a Trek series. Yet a fifth season to end the show on would have been nice.

-People thinking that the entire franchise is dead is beyond me. You know better than that, especially given the track record this franchise has had. Why look no further than the Trek books, where two new series are starting in 2005: Vanguard, a TOS-era series set aboard a space station and Titan, a series following Riker and his multi-species crew. Now that Enterprise has suddenly ended, look for some kind of Enterprise Relaunch a year or two down the road. These things do admittedly take time.

-The possibility of future Trek television series/mini-series/TV movies/theatrical films. Yeah, the comment in the press release sounds like a smokescreen to appease some fans, but nothing is certain. I still believe that a TV movie or mini-series would be cheaper than even half a season of Trek on television and would be a bigger event. Just look at the ratings for the premieres of the last three shows and think of that number tuning in for something like that. And there'd be no need to worry about the numbers dropping off like they always did with the shows.

I'd like to thank everyone involved with Star Trek: Enterprise for making it a fun diversion when I really needed one. The production crew especially for how slick this show looked week in and week out and the cast for making such likeable characters. I was prepared to hate it and ended up loving it. It's quite possible that the shortened run will keep a small and loyal fanbase going for years to come. 25 seasons of Trek in 18 years was too much, but I'd like to think we're going to see Enterprise go out with its head held high.

After May 13th, see you out there...

 

[Amaris]

Well, for me, ENT was the very show that fits that question.
I loathed the first two seasons, gave it a chance for Season 3 and thought it mediocre at best. However, Season 4 took off like a shot for me, and I have been hooked every since. The Trek magic was there for me, and, as Dale Gribble (King of the Hill, another show that qualifies for that question to me) would say, "Shi-shi-shaaaa", it's back.

I do that for shows. Many people feel TNG was the same way. The first 2 or 3 seasons held only because it was new Trek (and believe me, I love TNG), and finally picked up into Season 4. I think the same would have happened here. It just takes time for word of mouth.

-J.

 

[Gotham Central]

Again people....there is still much to rejoice about....

Stargate SG-1 - About to get an injection of Browder Power

Stargate: Atlantis - Still Alive and kicking

Battlestar Galactica - Rocking the free world

Lost - High ratings + High praise = healthy run

Doctor Who - Commin round the corner

Smallville - apparently still with us

The 4400 - Great stuff there

The Dead Zone - Johnny and the crew keepin it real

Carnivale - having fun during the Great Depression


Folks.... Enterprise may die but there is still amazing sci-fi on TV these days. Fact is the reality TV buble has burst and scripted shows are back. This is not the dark ages of 2 years ago.....this has the potential to be a new renaissance of GOOD sci-fi.

Don't lament over old stuff, bask in the warm light of the new.

 

[LeandroTLZ]

Posted by Captain Ice:
(...) take a good look at what happened to The Family Guy for proof. That show was cancelled after it's third season, put on hiatus for 5 years, and is now going back into production due to the demand for the DVD's.

a) They didn't have to rebuild sets. Once ENT is cancelled, I expect their sets to be torn to pieces, and I don't think Paramount will be very willing to rebuild them. FG was animation; even if the backgrounds weren't stored somewhere (and I doubt they didn't keep at least a CD with background and character scans), they just have to draw them, not build anything physical.

b) They didn't have live actors working in there. I don't know if FG got all their original voice actors back, but if they hadn't or didn't, hiring new ones who resembled the voice enough would be easy; I don't think you can replace Trinner or Bakula just as easily, and they can't kill half of the crew because the actors were unavailable.

 

[georgy]

Posted by EarthForceOne:
Again people....there is still much to rejoice about....

Stargate SG-1 - About to get an injection of Browder Power

Stargate: Atlantis - Still Alive and kicking

Battlestar Galactica - Rocking the free world

Lost - High ratings + High praise = healthy run

Doctor Who - Commin round the corner

Smallville - apparently still with us

The 4400 - Great stuff there

The Dead Zone - Johnny and the crew keepin it real

Carnivale - having fun during the Great Depression


Folks.... Enterprise may die but there is still amazing sci-fi on TV these days. Fact is the reality TV buble has burst and scripted shows are back. This is not the dark ages of 2 years ago.....this has the potential to be a new renaissance of GOOD sci-fi.

Don't lament over old stuff, bask in the warm light of the new.

I've tried most of these shows

Both SG's are crap
Lost and BSG are just OK

I want my enterprise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[firehawk12]

Posted by Captain Ice:

Posted by Crusher Disciple:
Well, I agree with what Phantom said earlier about showing TPTB that there is an active demand for sci-fi. I say buy the DVDs, go to conventions, talk Trek every chance you get.

Support other sci-fi shows and prove to TPTB that sci-fi is a viable option for broadcast tv. Berman and Braga's style may not have been the thing to set the moon on fire, but support well-written sci fi and maybe we'll get another Star Wars that'll make them come along and take Trek off of the shelf.

She has a point ladies and gentlemen. Lest we forget two things:

A: They really do pay attention to DVD sales figures. All one needs to do for proof of this is to take a good look at what happened to The Family Guy for proof. That show was cancelled after it's third season, put on hiatus for 5 years, and is now going back into production due to the demand for the DVD's.

B: This IS the franchise that showed everyone that it is possible for a show to rise from the grave many, many years later and beget sequels.

They may be bastards, or idiots, or whatever you want to call them, but if we all get together and vote WITH OUR WALLETS, they will listen and give us what we want. They are not dumb - if they can make money on producing new Trek, they will.

Of course, this is the same franchise that got sued by Activision for being crappy.

 

[KIRK1ADM]

Posted by Brent:

Posted by FrontLine:
I jsut saw the news. All I can say is that even though the writing has been on the wall I was hoping beyond hope that Manny Coto would be able to save the show.

the thing is, with him, it is

they just need another chance, the 4th season is excellent

they would need to renew for a 5th season, keep him on, and advertise like crazy, it could workbut it aint even being given the chance

Maybe both UPN and Paramount feel as if they gave Enterprise enough chances? After all I'm willing to bet that Berman and Braga promised them they'd be able to fix the problems with the show after season 1, then after that after 2. Than of course there was the Xindi bs from last season that I'm sure B&B claimed would draw in the viewers the show needed.

I personally think that the show had its chance, 3 plus years worth of it.

 

[Me-Ike]

This is so sad.

As many others here I'm only 21 and Star Trek has been with me since I can remember.

And now it ends as it did so many years ago, with its (too early) cancellation.

Maybe Star Trek is not dead, maybe there will be a new movie or a new show in a few years or something like that, but I'm not only sad because Star Trek ended but also because Enterprise did.
Enterprise won't come back and I really enjoyed that show very, very much.
It even made me read fanfic which I usually used to avoid like hot water.

It might have been just a tv show but I still feel sad today.

 

[trekman]

I think that like the Original show, Enterprise will rise from the ashes like a Phoenix.

With Syndication who knows what the future might bring to the show.

My money is on a Enterprise mini series in a couple of years.

 

[Tiberius Jim]

Here's a little something I threw together as somewhat of a tribute. Feel free to do with it what you wish (Print it, put it on your website, etc) I also made an avatar. Also feel free to use it, but please upload it to your own server.

Althought I saw it coming, that doesn't change the fact thst this royally sucks. The show is being killed before its time, just as it is has finally hit its stride. I hope the show can be saved, but if not, all we can do it say goodbye to our beloved Trek and eagerly await its return.

 

[Roshi]

Posted by CaptProton:
Here's a little something I threw together as somewhat of a tribute. Feel free to do with it what you wish (Print it, put it on your website, etc) I also made an avatar. Also feel free to use it, but please upload it to your own server.

[image]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/CaptProton/farewellent1.jpg[/image]

[image]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/CaptProton/entav.gif[/image]

Althought I saw it coming, that doesn't change the fact thst this royally sucks. The show is being killed before its time, just as it is has finally hit its stride. I hope the show can be saved, but if not, all we can do it say goodbye to our beloved Trek and eagerly await its return.

AWESOME, CaptProton!!!!

 

[Serton]

All I can say is this... Season 3 really brought me back to Star Trek as a hooked fan... I'm loving season 4 so far. (Though still to watch Babel 1, it didn't copy well so I've been putting it off till later)

After DS9 I kind of pottered around with Voyager but didn't pay too much attention to it, I was all Treked out...

But Enterprise season 3 brought me back. Azati Prime, the final 5 minutes ranks as one of the best moments in recent television ever (And I don't say that lightly, that's with careful considerartion).

So for it to be canceled just like that without even waiting for sweeps month (though I'm not sure that'll make a difference) kind of sucks.

I will not be boycotting UPN though, if they have a show I like I'll watch it and neither will I boycott DVD releases. If we buy them they'll probably make a new Trek in a new format at some point.

I've always thought Trek could do with a rest, especially before Series V came about but I did become hooked by it and it was clear that there were still stories that could be told in a good, and entertaining fashion.

Trek is Dead

Long Live Trek

Edited to add -
Wow even made the yahoo.com front page... Though they seem to think there is a hint of more trek to come.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20050203/ap_en_tv/star_trek

 

[Mogh]

Well, I woke up on my birthday morning to receive this oh-so-thoughtful present from Paramount.

Fuck them. And fuck Berman and Braga and the way they let the Trek universe rot over the last few years. Fuck their tits and ass strategy. Fuck their rehashed stories. Fuck their conservative, plodding, formulaic story-telling.

What pisses me off the most is that they put together this show, this show with a talented cast, this show with great potential and great stories, and so badly executed parts of it that it had to go before its time. I'd sooner they'd left it a while and done a proper job from the start. Now I'm furious that they got us hooked on a premise that they have been unable to properly deliver

Ah. The hell with it

 

[Shatna]

Uh... happy birthday!

 

[Naraht]

Happy Birthday anyway. We can celebrate/mourn together on Saturday.

 

[Roshi]

Posted by Mogh:
Well, I woke up on my birthday morning to receive this oh-so-thoughtful present from Paramount.

Fuck them. And fuck Berman and Braga and the way they let the Trek universe rot over the last few years. Fuck their tits and ass strategy. Fuck their rehashed stories. Fuck their conservative, plodding, formulaic story-telling.

What pisses me off the most is that they put together this show, this show with a talented cast, this show with great potential and great stories, and so badly executed parts of it that it had to go before its time. I'd sooner they'd left it a while and done a proper job from the start. Now I'm furious that they got us hooked on a premise that they have been unable to properly deliver

Ah. The hell with it

Dear Mogh,

I too am ******celebrating****** my birthday. And this is the fuckest gift I have ever received.