Manatee: Did you read the news today? Hollywood Reporter is reporting that CW is planning a "90210" spinoff." Rob Thomas ("Veronica Mars" Creator) is talking to the network about writing this show. However, the network is not releasing too many details on the project. I have to say I am crazed by this development! I loved "90210!" And to see them bring it back 8 years later is amazing (though I did think there was already a spinoff - called "The OC"). Since the details are being called "sketchy" at the present time, this new project is just begging to be taken apart. What orginal characters will be brought back? Which actor needs a job the most? Will Steve come back as a teacher at West Beverly High School? Who will the new cast be? Will Andrea lead the journalism class? Will Tori Spelling be pregnant on the show, play herself, and buy an Inn?... (oh wait, already happened).
I also wonder what took so long to think up this spinoff, or will it be more of a remake? I guess it depends on what characters emerge. I often thought "The Breakfast Club" would be perfect material for a remake, rip for the picking. And "90210" is also a perfect show to recreate. Which brings us to the question of, what is the definition of a spinoff? What is a remake? And what happened to cross overs? This article mentions "Melrose Place" as a spinoff of "90120" though they shared no characters. Hmmm.....
Marmot: Actually, "Melrose Place" was what is known as a "planted spinoff". Jake, the main character on Melrose was Kelly's boyfriend on 90210. They eventually broke up, but that was how Melrose Place was born. But I get the feeling that this will not be a true spin-off. I doubt we're going to see the new adventures of the Walsh clan in another city, or Dylan McKay's drunken journey across America. Instead, we'll probably get something that is more like "Saved By the Bell: The New Class", where it shares the same brand name, and location, but maybe a tertiary character. Like Mr. Belding. Although Screech was on that show as well. Whatever it is, it better have the Peach Pit. AND the Peach Pit After Dark.
Manatee: What is "Boston Legal" and "The Practice?" I hate to call it a spinoff when I feel like it was more a revitalization of the show. Just add a few new supporting characters, give the firm a new name, and call it a day. What makes a spinoff?
If you look at the Cosby shows, all those spinoffs, a 2nd tier character goes to another show, and the orginal show is usually still on, or at least still exists in "TV world". James Spader replaced Dylan McDermott and then they chnaged the concept and made a "new" show. They never ran at the same time. And spader was the main character on both, though I think "Boston Legal" became more ensemble at some point.
Marmot: So "The Practice" sort of morphed into "Boston Legal?"
Manatee: Yes. Morphed!
Marmot: I wouldn't consider that a spinoff. But maybe? Since its in the same world? "Empty Nest" was a "Golden Girls" spin off. And then they had this cross over even one night with "Nurses" because they were all set in Miami. And I don't think "Nurses" was a spinoff. There aren't enough cross overs anymore.
Manatee: Cross overs are interesting... like a special 2 hour, "Crossing Jordan" meets "Without a Trace" or something like that? Two established shows that share a story line for two episodes.
Marmot: Yeah. They just did a "CSI"/"Without a Trace." But the other networks don't do it.
Manatee: Maybe "Prison Break"/ "24!" (like Jack needs to Break them out)
Marmot: Except for the occasional "Family Guy"/"American Dad." But that's just as a joke. "Prison Break"/ "24" would be awesome! So would "30 Rock"/"The Office." Or even cross-network, like... "Rescue Me"/"New Amsterdam." Or "Simpsons"/"Criminal Minds?"
Manatee: Yes - best idea yet! Or what about "Dexter"/Bravo's "Project Runway?"
Marmot: That, my watery friend, is the best idea ever.
I also wonder what took so long to think up this spinoff, or will it be more of a remake? I guess it depends on what characters emerge. I often thought "The Breakfast Club" would be perfect material for a remake, rip for the picking. And "90210" is also a perfect show to recreate. Which brings us to the question of, what is the definition of a spinoff? What is a remake? And what happened to cross overs? This article mentions "Melrose Place" as a spinoff of "90120" though they shared no characters. Hmmm.....
Marmot: Actually, "Melrose Place" was what is known as a "planted spinoff". Jake, the main character on Melrose was Kelly's boyfriend on 90210. They eventually broke up, but that was how Melrose Place was born. But I get the feeling that this will not be a true spin-off. I doubt we're going to see the new adventures of the Walsh clan in another city, or Dylan McKay's drunken journey across America. Instead, we'll probably get something that is more like "Saved By the Bell: The New Class", where it shares the same brand name, and location, but maybe a tertiary character. Like Mr. Belding. Although Screech was on that show as well. Whatever it is, it better have the Peach Pit. AND the Peach Pit After Dark.
Manatee: What is "Boston Legal" and "The Practice?" I hate to call it a spinoff when I feel like it was more a revitalization of the show. Just add a few new supporting characters, give the firm a new name, and call it a day. What makes a spinoff?
If you look at the Cosby shows, all those spinoffs, a 2nd tier character goes to another show, and the orginal show is usually still on, or at least still exists in "TV world". James Spader replaced Dylan McDermott and then they chnaged the concept and made a "new" show. They never ran at the same time. And spader was the main character on both, though I think "Boston Legal" became more ensemble at some point.
Marmot: So "The Practice" sort of morphed into "Boston Legal?"
Manatee: Yes. Morphed!
Marmot: I wouldn't consider that a spinoff. But maybe? Since its in the same world? "Empty Nest" was a "Golden Girls" spin off. And then they had this cross over even one night with "Nurses" because they were all set in Miami. And I don't think "Nurses" was a spinoff. There aren't enough cross overs anymore.
Manatee: Cross overs are interesting... like a special 2 hour, "Crossing Jordan" meets "Without a Trace" or something like that? Two established shows that share a story line for two episodes.
Marmot: Yeah. They just did a "CSI"/"Without a Trace." But the other networks don't do it.
Manatee: Maybe "Prison Break"/ "24!" (like Jack needs to Break them out)
Marmot: Except for the occasional "Family Guy"/"American Dad." But that's just as a joke. "Prison Break"/ "24" would be awesome! So would "30 Rock"/"The Office." Or even cross-network, like... "Rescue Me"/"New Amsterdam." Or "Simpsons"/"Criminal Minds?"
Manatee: Yes - best idea yet! Or what about "Dexter"/Bravo's "Project Runway?"
Marmot: That, my watery friend, is the best idea ever.
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1 comment:
moose here:
they should call it 90212: the other side of wilshire
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