MissAlmond

I have backed away from all the anger I had with SH and have been quietly waiting to hear news of a renewal. But when I saw that Mark Goffman was leaving, I knew I had to come back here ( LOL) although I've pretty much have said all I have to say about him. I truly don't believe the whole debacle of last season was just him - I still believe it came on high from K/O. I think Goffman was the mouthpiece, which accounts for Twitter comment on his behind the scenes book. As I said before, IMO, that was his message to K/O that he would play fall guy but knew where the bodies were bodies so don't screw with his career. And they didn't. I would never blame Iscove, like someone said, he's too new in the game and whoo wouldn't sprout the party line at their first big job? As for the writing for the finale, I know people are mad at Goffman and therefore can't believe he actually wrote the finale. But the man's name is the one listed in the credits as the writer so have no doubt that he "did" write it. The WGA has their own rules for writing credits and I doubt they're going to roll over and play dead for Mark Goffman. No, he wrote it which in my mind says, he, along with everybody else in that room "could" have written things differently for Season 2 if that was the direction ALL of them had wished to go. But they didn't. I refuse to talk about any actors on the show, only their characters, and it could be the thought of a powerful witch seemed too juicy to them. Creators falling in love with certain characters isn't unknown. Again, back in my soap days (I was a CBS woman!), I also watched The Young and Restless. William Bell created the character of Malcom who was to rape his SIL and "that" was to be the story. That is, until Bell started to think highly of Shemar Moore as an actor and wanted to keep him around as a good guy. But how would that be possible since Malcolm was a rapist? But Bill Bell wasn't a newbie in the soap world, he was very savvy and knew exacatly what to do. He went to the soap press, admitted he had changed his mind about the direction of Malcolm and made a pact with his viewers that they would all pretend the rape never happened. In turn, Bell promised the whole incident would never be mentioned again. With that pact, Bell kept Moore and turned the character of Malcolm around with no protest from his viewers. That is, until Bell died and his own children broke the pact his father had made with his audience, but that's another story. The point is, if K/O, Goffman, Kim et al, had come out like Bill Bell and admitted, "Hey we were so in love with the very idea a powerful witch that we lost sight of what made our show work. Please forgive us as we course correct." Perhaps if they had gone humble, they might have found forgiveness and let's all march together into Season Three. Instead they went smug, which is probably why some refuse to believe Goffman had the ability to write that finale and even if they did believe, they still wanted him, gone, gone, gone. Anyway, I await to see what happens next. Still hoping to hear the show has been renewed and with a show runner who understands the show. And, FTR, by this I don't mean catering to every whim on their audience. Again, I have no desire to see the Crane Family Drama now become the Mills Family Drama. I do expect them to realize how important the chemistry is between their two leads and that they work best together. And develop that damn town, SH! I mean, really, you have a town full of people who must have all sort of crazy secrets. Example: Why did that girl's mother think it was ok to bring her lover to the father's funeral, especially since, apparently, the daughter is a witch? Are things in SH so nuts the mother figured nobody would care? Hire that girl/mother and let her and others in the town speak up! That's how you lessen the burden of Tom and Nicole being in every scene.

This is why, if I were in the entertainment business, I would never expose myself so freely on social media. One wouldn't know if this Ichabod roleplaying character is the type to now spend his time sulking while posting more notes about his "lost love". Or is he one of those who will stalk and kidnap you to demand new episodes be written or he'll take care of things Annie Wilkes style.

That episode flew by! Loved it, loved it, loved it. But since spoilers were all over the Internet, the biggest surprise for me was Headless chopping off Ben Franklin's head! I guess this means Badass Headless is back. My tea leaves were wrong and SH really did kill off Katrina. I'm probably one of the few to shed a tear for her. I felt the last two episodes showed how to handle her character and I liked the change. Washington Irving had the answer all along - pair her with Abraham and let it rip. I wish I had more to say but this whole thing with SH has left me exhausted. Now I'm just waiting for FOX to restore my wild, crazy Monday nights.

Of course, if Goffman did produce proof this was really his plan all along (a certified letter dated when SH first started, a contract with script attached signed by Kevin Reilly) and he really did play The Sting on us for over a year, heads would explode across the Internet. This episode was old school Sleepy Hollow.

I adored that quirkly little show! I was smart enough to tape it but stupid enough to erase it. I still remember the episode where the captain was having - um - "performance" problems at home, so they brought in that woman with the cow to demostrate how she milked it.

I would think there would be some sort of agreement for those who receive advance previews about how much you can and can't say about upcoming episodes Running all over Twitter giving, read between the lines, entire plots sounds like a no-no to me. Maureen Ryan kept her mouth shut about the mid-season finale even though she had issues and addressed her concerns at the time with Goffman. She didn't run around Twitter telling people what would and would not happen. Doesn't this man understand he's probably only hurting himself and his site for receiving future advance previews? SH is only one show amongst many; why risk the anger of other shows? They have the power to decide not to send him, or his site, previews for fear he'll go on another Twitter tangent revealing all. I swear, the ease of social media makes people lose their sense of discretion.

Which is exactly what I meant. Real life usually changes long before it appears on the screen, in advertising, etc etc. Sometimes even our own lives is a step behind. I knew parents who protested schools having computers installed even though it was said this was the future. Fast forward a few years later and these same parents never send their subsequent children to schools without them.

Hell, there’s a lot to be gained from the over 49 demo, male and female, a group that’s really ignored. I didn’t watch “Harry’s Law” but remember the fallout when that show was cancelled. It had eyeballs but apparently not the right demographic eyeballs. I attend movies at an art house theater. When “The Exotic Marigold Hotel” came out, the place was packed for months with people outside the 18-49 male demographic. Not only did these people see the movie, they also frequented the very expensive restaurants nearby afterward for dinner. I’m sure these restaurants can’t wait for the sequel to be released LOL. Not out of nowhere. It comes from what worked in the past. The saying “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” swings both positive and negative. One reason there is currently sequel after sequel, remake after remake in movie theaters is Hollywood not wanting to break what worked in the past. Sometimes people need to be taken by the hand and led into the future where their eyes are opened. That’s why, when I first came here, I said look up the story of Richard Donner and Marion Dougherty. Donner is a well respected director, yet Dougherty's guiding hand opened his eyes on new possibilities in casting. Donner got it and others can too. People do change which is why (hold your breath), I’m willing to do so for SH, yes even Mark Goffman himself. I’m tired of raging against what can’t be undone. The last show I felt passionate about was "Bakersfield P.D." and it's gone. I'm hoping SH stays around. So, while I know this isn't true of others, I'm personally, giving all involved, myself included, that new day. Because maybe what the writers/producers needed was a guided hand too. After all, in life, there are times when we all do.

I know I left therapy, but I’m already tired of reading in various forums (I know, I vowed not to LOL) about haters and the masses taking over the show. However, since I’m in a better mood about the show, I won’t go all “I hate you, Mark Goffman!” LOL The whole “man out of time” label really could be applied to what went wrong with SH. As recently as the 90's, the type of strong chemistry exhibit by Mison and Behaire, turning into something more wasn’t really contemplated much. But if people did, it was brushed aside with much more ease. I was still watching soaps then and remember the chemistry between the characters of Alan-Michael and Gilly on The Guiding Light. The chemistry was so strong that, not only the actors, but soap magazines, were waiting for the two of them to get together. Instead, Alan-Michael was paired with Lucy and Gilly went on her way. And while you had two disappointed actors and some rumblings from fans, that was that. Meanwhile, the grand, sweeping love for all time ala “Titanic” and “The Notebook” had women swooning. Those love stories were the model and they did very well. However, times have changed. There are many couples - interracial, interfaith, gay - who look nothing like something from “Titanic.” Commercials are already showing this shift. You also have many couples who met each other at work. They understanding that, indeed, friends can become lovers and there’s nothing unusual about that. I also think most people understand in reality, one can be in love and still have an outside life - something movies and TV shows pretend is impossible. So today when you see a couple who have chemistry, the thought that they could get together is a possibility. These type of couples may even have a more modern feel. There is no need to bring in the Lucy’s. Nor does a love story have to be One True Love either. I believe this shift has even been noted as why romantic comedies aren’t the hot commodity they were in the 90's. I do believe there were viewers who came to SH who loved and wanted the “My heart will go on” type of love story Ichabod and Katrina represented. I believe a lot of the writers probably came into the business in the 90's and that was the type of love story they were used to and comfortable with. Once again, they were telling the truth when they said they didn’t get what made SH worked. It’s interesting to note Baiers, who is younger, seems to have “got it” and this man isn’t even a creative. But his career has started in a different time. And then there's that pesky, outdated thinking that continues to pollute the entire entertainment industry - that being the 18-49 male demographic is apparently the only ones who count. It makes the whole “time travel” device they’re using to reset the show appropriate. I hope we do get our season three and all of us, writers, fans, producers, can move forward and, this time time around, take full advantage of having and understanding everything that can come with the gift of "a new day".

Nice list and very cool, but what about advice (outside of how to watch on DVR) for non-Twitter/ Facebook fans?

Oh, dear! HalcyonGirl! So what did you think it meant when it was said in the show. On second thought, I don't think I want to know (although I think I do). Glad it's been cleared up for you. The over the top love and chasing of the 18-49 male demographic is a blight upon the entertainment world.

Just how old "is" this interview? Because now that it's posted in its entirely, it seems I read this from Mison long before November. Makes me believe even more that after one person went crazy with Aaron Baiers on Twitter, someone higher up quietly asked for parts of it to be re-leased.

From the above mentioned review: WHAT!!!!!!!!!! Is it the iphone6? Did I come back too soon and miss out? LOL. Hot damn! See SH - you have done "this" a long time ago! Yes, he is. I've seen this love of emotions before. Something tells me Aaron Baiers is a Millennial. This finale sounds like worthy of making old school popcorn! Can't wait until Monday!!!!!!!!!!! ETA - I wonder if the SpoilerTV guy has anything to say. Perhaps I should track him down, the weather is bad and I don't have anything better to do. Actually, I do have things better to do, but now I'm in full blown, waiting for the SH finale. Oh, it's good to have crazy, fun Monday nights back. Come on, FOX!

I was quoting another poster who used that term. My assumption would be someone who is acting crazy. At least that's how I took it. I am the poster in question who is simply quoting what was said on the show which was "she's touched". Acting crazy is indeed correct.

Some will agree with you and I respect those opinions. I know when Aaron Baiers mentioned promos on Empire, people jumped down his throat and the man backed down. But Baiers (IMO) was simply suggesting a stragetic business decision. FOX wants to be #1 network. They have a show they like enough to give it a second chance with a passionate fan base, but has low ratings. These same passionate fans have said writers of said low rated show have sidelined lead actress most of the season. Now that FOX is in charge, it makes perfect business sense to a) get lead actress out and about and b) pair low rated show with your highest rated one and hope for viewer crossover. FOX isn't a charity, they want a return on their investment and SH has a lot of catching up to do. Trust me, if FOX didn't own SH, this wouldn't even be a question. SH would have joined "Almost Human" and all the other low rated, now cancelled, shows not owned by FOX. Plus, the PR department is not the same as the creative one. The writers don't tell actors where to go to promote shows, the PR department does. IIRC, doing PR is even written in contracts which is why you currently see actors nominated for Oscars all over the place and why it makes entertainment news when one balks. The writers don't care if these actors go on show after show. The PR department - who promote shows which helps bring in more money - does. We have to all remember the word business is after show for a reason.

According to Aaron Baiers public Twitter page, FOX has started promoting SH again. Baiers also included another emotions tag, if they don't show up, could a Twitter expert do the honors? Thanks. Also, "Ichabod Crane's" public twitter page continues to be . . . touched.

Whenever I hear "Shut up" now, I picture Danny Trejo in that great Brady Bunch snickers commercial: FOX: "And what do you think is wrong with Sleepy Hollow?" Goffman and Company: "Um, we need more time for the Crane love story to play out and for viewers to finally understand how awesome Katrina is?" FOX: "SHUT UP!" (slams down machette). "It's time to teach you guys a lesson." Anyway, ITA I totally agree Baiers works because his from production so he probably understands things more than the creatives. Also, it's not just network TV that wants consumer dollars. Netflix flat out stated "House of Cards" was totally developed using internal Netflix data on what their subscribers liked. It was rather creepy and didn't even work for me, because - while I don't mind Kevin Spacey - I've never had a desire to watch HOC or any other streaming show. Now I really must stop "Interneting" immediately.

The callback to SH's pilot was outstanding. Raven Metzner, you were all sorts of wrong with your "true fans" comment, but I believe in giving credit when credit is due. Hats off to you on coming up with that amazing sequence. Well played, sir.

According to the snarky Albert Kim, here's the answer, but first : Yep, Aaron Baiers is the right man for the dealing with fans job! .

I’m in this camp too. I don’t want SH to have wasted an entire season on Crane Family Drama only to turn around and now be all about Grace Dixon, Abbie’s mother and what powers Abbie and Jenny’s family tree might hold. I know some want this and I respect that. But, IMO, trying to be serious, along with background stories and family/redemption plots derailed this show. Switching from the Crane’s to the Mills doesn’t change that for me. SH works best (again IMO) as a cool, refreshing drink at the end of a long, hot day. It fails when it tries to become a wine tasting convention. To my mind, Irving works best in the police department (which expands the SH universe), Katrina has potential as the now crazy Mother Bear who will never, ever forget the wrong done to Henry, and Jenny works as recurring. Like tasty appetizers, these characters need to give an episode a shot of flavor, and then leave the rest for the main course. IMO, besides the town (of course), SH should bring on the rest of the horseman and take their time on who they want the Big Bad to be (and please, NO connection to either Witness). Meanwhile, Abbie and Ichabod could be putting out fires as they try to discover the real danger. The two of them should find clues from the past and present, giving us more crazy, twisted American history. Why not have the witnesses go from presidential library to presidential library seeking clues on what every subsequent president since Washington was told in the famous "Letter to the next President". Oh, so that was what the 18 ½ missing gap was all about! What? Clinton was close to the truth but sidelined by the charms of a succubus? Listen to Dana Walden and be about fun, Sleepy Hollow. Pure, unadulterated, batshit crazy, mixed up American history, every episode (not shocking cliffhanger!!!) fun. And remember to never, ever again mess up the gift of chemistry handed to you. I think that’s when the show is at its best. As a sidenote to those who think the show is now simply pandering to "certain" fans. As some of these Purgatory comments reflect, there are all sorts of fans who want different things from SH. It’s impossible to “pander” to us all. But the one constant is the chemistry between Tom Mison and Nicole Behaire. On that, SH should never, ever tamper with again.

This much is so true. I also think they presented themselves well enough on Facebook that certain writers truly felt they were indeed, the true fans of the show. After all, they were so nice to them. But when FOX stepped in with their "creative changes" remarks, their true faces suddenly showed. They went crazy on Twitter and Aaron Baiers (who, handled things with grace) met them face to face (or tweet to tweet), masks off. I swear, I think that's when FOX decided to give the ok to release that November Mison interview.

"Awakening" received more positive batshit crazy, fun reviews for Sleepy Hollow than it has in a long time. Even though it was an obvious course correction, it seems the writers (finally) got things right for the majority of people. I like the name Crazy Mother Bear Katrina, sounds better than EvilKatrina and certainly better than Love Object Katrina. Crazy Mother Bear Katrina fits in with the wackiness of SH. Anyone who has kids has met this crazy lady, if you haven't, accidently misplace her kid's invitation to "the entire class is coming" birthday party, and you will*. This crazy woman has the potential to be fun and dangerous and is somebody I wouldn't mind seeing on my screen. Besides, now that SH and I are reconciled, I would hate to lose that wonderful opening shot of Katrina raising her arms on beat. LOL I think the producers also finally found the right person to answer the question "What Makes Sleepy Hollow tick" with Aaron Baiers. From what I've read of him, he's fairly new in his position with K/O, and yet this newbie production guy has managed to engage viewers and keep his cool. He seems to know when to respond and when to ignore those who push things too far. I really believe it was Baiers who, upon readiang the whole Abbie is a slave rumor, went directly to FOX, who in turn, killed the spoiler. Alas, the damage was already done, as the ratings fell that week. But if Sleepy Hollow does go forward, it would be comforting to have somebody in the production seat who understands the show. Not for pandering purposes either. I think Baiers has already shown he has the right stuff of judging the fine line of knowing what viewers respond to while understanding writers need the freedom to tell their own story. ETA before anyone accuses me of being nasty about a child, I'm talking about honest mistakes. Like the inviation fell on the ground, or the mail carrier delivered it the wrong house (and the neighbor brings it over two days later) or even the kid himself misplaced the inviation - this mother will go for the jugular. No matter how many times you try to explain "No, no, Henry is invited", they will not believe you. Even if Crazy Mother Bear Katrina finds the invitation crumbled under Henry's bed at the end of the school year, she will continue to insist: "Well, I was still within my rights to throw that fireball at Abbie's car. Henry was devasted!"

No, the showrunner did a course correction because FOX - you know the ones with the real power? - told them to change. When FOX spoke, the showrunner and writers listened and suddenly these same people managed to once again evoke the feel of Season one. Why? Because the boss who mattered, the one who was at the top of the food chain, not only wanted change, they demanded it. If FOX had said: give us more cowbell and Katrina, stat, fuck the ratings, that’s what “The Awakening” would have delivered. But FOX has always been of the opinion that Ichabod and Abbie, together, make the show. They were hands off because K/O were the beautiful people from Hollywood but when November came with critics barking, ratings slipping and fans bellowing, FOX had had enough. So, Walden and Newman, decided to remind Kurtzman, Orci, Goffman, critics, Katrina fans, Abbie fans, Henry lovers - all of us - "Who's the Boss" and said renewal=creative changes. Not just any creative changes. The creative changes that FOX wanted. SpoilerTV learned that when FOX yanked their either reworded/or omitted words spoiler. Did FOX say anything about wanting viewers to think SH was about slavery? That ended up costing them ratings, when I'm sure FOX made damn sure the "mirrioring" with Ichabod was Abbie needing protecting for being mentally unstable. These scripts for the finale have been "network approved." So if you want to blame somebody, blame FOX. I’m sure if SH moves forward to Season 3, FOX will make sure this particular mess won’t happen again. They’re likely to hand out a required guide called: “FOX’s Non-Negotiable Rules When Writing for Sleepy Hollow”. And those orders will be obeyed. And for the record, yes, I want an Ichabbie end game. But I also happen to like the new EvilKatrina! and hope she stays while finding Jenny “meh”. But I’m not FOX.

Oh, I'm sorry no insider stuff or anything. It's just I recongize the people with the real power is FOX. We know this because the entire show jumped to their tune when FOX told them to change the music. And FOX has made it clear, if SH gets a Season 3, Ichabod and Abbie aren't going anywhere.

Well, not exactly. FOX didn't own "Almost Human" so there was no long term benefit for them there. FOX owns SH which is why they had the power to put put the brakes on but also the reason they're even willing to give SH a second chance.