Controversial The IMDF Conflict Zone!

michaellevenson

Moderator
Staff member
Regarding the vexed question of when is a show too long or not. It's all subjective really, some really short shows just seem so long because they're bad!
Seriously, what about an upper limit of 52 episodes, that is the number needed for syndication. HOWEVER any show chosen with more than 26 episodes, we only watch the first 26. That's it That's the deal.
Don't like it ! Then don't nominate such a show. Simple.
It solves everything.
Other shows are then nominated and we move on.
BUT, if someone wants to nominate an unfinished show that was stopped after 26 , then fine, people can make their own minds up about that.
Any comments?
 

Doctor Omega

Member: Rank 10
I think that's a really good idea Michael. As you say, such an approach would solve everything. :emoji_alien:

While we are at it, I would just like to throw SPACE 1999 into the ring as a possible future contender.... Two very different seasons of this show of course....





 

michaellevenson

Moderator
Staff member
Or SAPPHIRE AND STEEL of course...

That was a strange one....

I still like to pretend that I understood that show.... :emoji_head_bandage:



Not sure I understood it either, starting with the basic question "who were they?"
The living embodiment of the chemical elements perhaps?
I remember a character called Lead a large black guy with a jokey personality, of course! I ALWAYS think of a bubbly black guy when I see Lead.
 

Mad-Pac

Member: Rank 5
Seriously, what about an upper limit of 52 episodes, that is the number needed for syndication. HOWEVER any show chosen with more than 26 episodes, we only watch the first 26. That's it That's the deal.
I just described what we were doing before. I realize now things may change drastically. But whatever is decided,from our experience 52 episodes would be insane! That's an entire year! Would you sit through a year of Twin Peaks or Kolchak? Even 26 is quite a lot. We just did 23+ episodes of Twin Peaks and it took forever.

From our experience, we tended to get the best results from shows with 10 to 13 episodes. Those who didn't like it were happy that soon we'd change shows, and those enjoying it could then nominate another show they liked. As for watching part of the show, sure there's no reason we can't do that. But the original idea was to watch cancelled shows and wonder why they were cancelled and speculate what would happen later.

Still there are shows (such as "Land of the Giants" and "Space: 1999") I'd feel inclined to try even if they are long because of the nostalgia factor.
 

ant-mac

Member: Rank 9
Again, I created the other thread because it would be cleaner and less confusing, but apparently people chose to continue in the "by the numbers" thread. Personally I think that one is getting cluttered, so I'll keep an eye on both threads and reply on where it's more pertinent.

As I said there, if you, Brimfin and I can choose a different short show next, I'd go with Star Cops now.
Does it really matter who gets to choose the next TV show?

The important thing is if enough people wish to view it or not.
 

ant-mac

Member: Rank 9
I just described what we were doing before. I realize now things may change drastically. But whatever is decided,from our experience 52 episodes would be insane! That's an entire year! Would you sit through a year of Twin Peaks or Kolchak? Even 26 is quite a lot. We just did 23+ episodes of Twin Peaks and it took forever.

From our experience, we tended to get the best results from shows with 10 to 13 episodes. Those who didn't like it were happy that soon we'd change shows, and those enjoying it could then nominate another show they liked. As for watching part of the show, sure there's no reason we can't do that. But the original idea was to watch cancelled shows and wonder why they were cancelled and speculate what would happen later.

Still there are shows (such as "Land of the Giants" and "Space: 1999") I'd feel inclined to try even if they are long because of the nostalgia factor.
There's a very simple way to address your fears where a longer TV series is concerned. Watch it in separate segments.

For example, BLAKE'S 7 might be 52 episodes long, but it consists of 4 seasons of 13 episodes each. Therefore, after each season has been completed, we could always take a break from it and watch something else before continuing on with the next season if it was necessary for any reason. Anything's possible if we put our minds to it. :emoji_relaxed:

And I like the sound of watching SPACE 1999 - all 48 episodes! Plus the extra filmed segment at the end...:emoji_wink:

As for shorter TV series, have you considered THE DAY OF THE TRIFFIDS or THE HITCH-HIKERS GUIDE TO THE GALAXY? Both are 6 part adventures that have a total runtime of about 3 hours each. They shouldn't present too many obstacles to a determined group of viewers...
 

michaellevenson

Moderator
Staff member
I just described what we were doing before. I realize now things may change drastically. But whatever is decided,from our experience 52 episodes would be insane! That's an entire year! Would you sit through a year of Twin Peaks or Kolchak? Even 26 is quite a lot. We just did 23+ episodes of Twin Peaks and it took forever.

From our experience, we tended to get the best results from shows with 10 to 13 episodes. Those who didn't like it were happy that soon we'd change shows, and those enjoying it could then nominate another show they liked. As for watching part of the show, sure there's no reason we can't do that. But the original idea was to watch cancelled shows and wonder why they were cancelled and speculate what would happen later.

Still there are shows (such as "Land of the Giants" and "Space: 1999") I'd feel inclined to try even if they are long because of the nostalgia factor.
Mad Pac I've thought of that in my proposal. If people are heartedly sick of a show after 26 episodes then THAT'S IT! GOODBYE. No one will vote for a continuation. In fact whoever nominated such a show is BARRED from nominating its continuation. In fact Star Cops (9) and Omega Factor(10) seem the preferred choices at this early stage anyway.
I'll be candid with you; after Twin Peaks and after 10 years of doing this I get the impression you were relieved almost that it could be over, and I truly get that, your dedication was admirable, and then out of the blue pesky Michael turns up again with new enthusiastic souls in wanting to give this great group of yours a new boost.
It's possible it wasn't entirely welcome and I apologise if that was so . I thought it would be interesting to get you and Brimfin , who write so well , to to join in with other regulars here to expand the remit of The Sages. Continuing on this forum might well involve a "new twist" or "turn" to the formula. But if it's not be then so be it. You're The Man!!
 

ant-mac

Member: Rank 9
Mad Pac I've thought of that in my proposal. If people are heartedly sick of a show after 26 episodes then THAT'S IT! GOODBYE. No one will vote for a continuation. In fact whoever nominated such a show is BARRED from nominating its continuation. In fact Star Cops (9) and Omega Factor(10) seem the preferred choices at this early stage anyway.
I'll be candid with you; after Twin Peaks and after 10 years of doing this I get the impression you were relieved almost that it could be over, and I truly get that, your dedication was admirable, and then out of the blue pesky Michael turns up again with new enthusiastic souls in wanting to give this great group of yours a new boost.
It's possible it wasn't entirely welcome and I apologise if that was so . I thought it would be interesting to get you and Brimfin , who write so well , to to join in with other regulars here to expand the remit of The Sages. Continuing on this forum might well involve a "new twist" or "turn" to the formula. But if it's not be then so be it. You're The Man!!
It'd be a shame not to continue a group chat about chosen TV shows, particularly if we could get others such as @johnnybear, @The Seeker, @chainsaw_metal1 and perhaps a couple of others interested in the idea.

After all, what have we got to lose?
 

Doctor Omega

Member: Rank 10
One of the things I love about this kind of set up is seeing the new observations and perspectives from people who might never have seen an old favourite programme of yours and who can perhaps make you look at an all too familiar show in a way you never considered.

Might be worth checking with @Gavin and @High Plains Drifter to see if they might be interested? They always have quality comments to make about shows and films.

(They could also, perhaps, along with CSM, Johnny Bear and The Seeker, throw future suggestions into the ring too that we all may not have thought of?)


That's why the STAR COPS and B7 runs with Michael were such fun and am therefore happy to have a run at whatever shows the group chooses as we go along. :emoji_alien:
 

ant-mac

Member: Rank 9

ant-mac

Member: Rank 9
I believe it's a proper sequel to the film, a few years into the future.

Yeah, always meant to watch it.
I've also just discovered an excellent three-act Australian mini-series on YouTube.

SCALES OF JUSTICE. Each act is just over an hour or so in length.

THE JOB, THE GAME and THE NUMBERS. Each act is separate, but has shared characters and story themes.

Nick Tate from SPACE 1999 appears in it.
 
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