Nix | November 23, 2009
24 comments

FlashForward Takes a Break, Shuts Down Production

Are you still watching ABC’s “FlashForward”? I have the show DVR’ed, but haven’t had time to watch the last three episodes. Okay, it’s not that I don’t have the time, it’s that I, well, don’t want to. Which is a shame, because after the first couple of episodes, this was quickly becoming my favorite new show. Then it, er, wasn’t. I don’t know what happen, to tell you the truth, but maybe it was that trip to Washington that just opened the door up to a whole slew of new, completely unlikeable characters that made me give up on the whole thing. In any case, news is that the show will now temporarily shut down production for six days so that the writers can “tinker” with it.

When reached for comment, an ABC rep confirmed the temporary shut down, and gave this as the excuse reason:

“They started production early so that they could have the luxury to do this. They want to maintain the high quality of the show, and this gives the writers the opportunity to do so.”

But others speculate it may be because the show has reached an all-time ratings low, not helped by the departure of showrunner Marc Guggenheim.

Or maybe ABC is just realizing that people are jumping ship. I’m not alone, right? The combination of ludicrous casting (really, whoever got the bright idea to cast John Cho as an FBI agent needs to be shot, or at least never allowed to cast a TV show ever again), bad acting (I swear Joseph Fiennes looks and sounds like he’s channeling Christopher Lambert circa 1980s), and plodding sidebar plot threads left me wanting … something else.

Sorry, “FlashForward”. It was a neat idea, but you’re not living up to your pledge to keep me from dozing off.


Category: FlashForward TV Series, Sci-Fi TV News |
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  • Mary

    Are you kidding? John Cho is the only reason I’m still watching this show.

  • Dan

    Well id wager a bet to say that, John Cho is more successful in his line of work, then you are in yours :). I cannot imagine why you would suggest he isn’t suitable for the role? I think he is an amazing actor, trying out alternative casting roles then what he normally gets up to. Here is the tale of a actor trying to expand and make a successful career, and all you can do is give a one sided opinion to slag him off.. Well anyway : ) as you are knocking him in his line of work, i felt compelled to do the same, highlighting possible problems with your work and why it lacks clarity.

    • John

      Well said, old chap

    • http://www.scificool.com Nix

      Oh snap! You sure told me! Of course, it doesn’t change the fact that Cho is still horribly miscast.

      • Dan

        Didn’t mean to be so harsh, i just like a fair comment, but if it has to be against (at least back it up lol). So ok lets hypothetically say he isn’t suitable for the role, which actor around his age range would do a better job? Dan

        • http://www.scificool.com Nix

          Haven’t a clue, but you gotta admit, a skinny, fresh-faced Asian kid with funky hair doesn’t exactly scream “FBI agent”, yes? Harold with a gun on his hip is just so wrong on so many levels.

  • Dan

    The way you mention that, it’s beginning to become a fair argument. Maybe Flash Forward is the American version of “I’m a celebrity get me out of hear” from England who knows. I like the fact John has branched out, and i guess he is trying to fit the image, of a educated degree FBI agent, which is not usually what we see (in reality).. Anyway I will shut up, just wanted to make a empty page a bit more full, by having a fair discussion (i guess i should join up on the website) Dan out.

    • http://www.scificool.com Nix

      Haha, no worries. Everyone’s got an opinion, and that just happens to be mine.

  • Finnisher

    John Cho is the least of this show’s problems. He’s one of the only reasons I’m still watching. The bigger problem is the show’s refusal to appeal to a sci-fi audience. Going after the crime and hospital drama audience instead is what’s hurting them. I prefer genre television, and would appreciate this show more if it stuck to its sci-fi origins. Instead, I feel like I’m watching any number of crime and hospital dramas week after week. Why so much screen time at the hospital anyway? Grey’s Anatomy comes on AFTER this show. Snooze. Where’s the sci-fi?

    • http://www.scificool.com Nix

      I have to agree. Still don’t cotton to John Cho as a fed, but I can see how he might become the the show’s guilty pleasure. His “I’m gonna die” storyline at least has some potential. And yes, I’ll have to agree once again, the doctor wife and future affair storyline got old real fast. Despite such a catastrophic event, it’s amazing how generic things became after the first couple of episodes.

  • ulvadu

    Look if you want realism – ive seen some real cops so out of shape that you’d think they were shareholders in a donut shop, if you expect the feds to look all like a caucasian star quarterback then think again. Your running your racist stereotype about a fresh looking asian kid with a gun and a badge – i dont think there’s anything wrong with that.

    The show is great and if the producers have a reason on why they selected Cho for the role then allow them to continue thru with season – if they dont deliver then bash them.

    • http://www.scificool.com Nix

      Yes, because I don’t think an actor who looks like he’s 16 years old and should be going to the prom instead of chasing after terrorists with a gun is realistic. Man, I’m such a racist!

  • Stephanie

    I am replying to the fact that Flash Forward is a yawn since it debuted a few months ago….I do not see how that can be. I eagerly await watching this show every Thursday and I am a HUGE fan of the show. It keeps me on the edge of my seat the whole time it is on. I usually read a book sometimes when a show is on, BUT not this one…I watch. It is as intriquing and interesting as it was when it first came on. Go to Facebook and check out the fanpage and the page for it. You will see that there is plenty of people who eagerly watch this show.

  • Mercy

    OMG Nix. You hit the nail right on the head about Cho, and bad acting by Fiennes. I’ve watched all the shows, and have detected this smug air about it all. I kept thinking…Fiennes is considered a good actor by most…could I be wrong about his over acting on this? I’m an actor myself, not that it makes me any kind of expert, but maybe more astute than most. Anyway…I don’t like ANY of the casting on this, everyone seems to get on my nerves on this show. I guess I keep waiting for something to happen story wise. Tonight’s episode is at least a bit more interesting with some admissions of probable people to blame for the blackout. Just don’t know if I’ll continue with this show…I have more valuable things to DVR and spend my time on.

    • http://www.timeofyourlifetravelshow.com Mercy

      Forgot to leave my short travel pilot for all to view, enjoy.

  • Gary

    The show has a great concept, but everyone over act’s. This makes the show almost unwatchable. The directors need to take some lessons from the show LOST.

  • Dan

    Well id wager a bet to say that, John Cho is more successful in his line of work, then you are in yours :). I cannot imagine why you would suggest he isn't suitable for the role? I think he is an amazing actor, trying out alternative casting roles then what he normally gets up to. Here is the tale of a actor trying to expand and make a successful career, and all you can do is give a one sided opinion to slag him off.. Well anyway : ) as you are knocking him in his line of work, i felt compelled to do the same, highlighting possible problems with your work and why it lacks clarity.

  • GARY SMITH

    Is there going to be a second series?

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