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« David's Traveler Blog
Lost and Found
First off, I'd like to thank the nearly 9 million people who tuned in to Traveler's May 10 sneak preview. You guys made Traveler one of the most successful May sweeps premieres of all time. And a special thanks goes to those fans who have checked out the blog and left comments. I read all of them. In fact, Ranger99's comment from May 4, in which he asked about the number of episodes, has inspired this blog entry.
So, what's with this post's title? Well, it turns out the creator of Traveler, yours truly, is also a huge fan of another ABC serialized thriller: Lost. I just finished watching the Lost Season 3 finale, and it got me thinking about what makes good TV.
Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse (Lost's executive producers) and company have an unparalleled knack for blowing our collective mind. This season finale delivered. It was fantastic. It not only answered a few huge questions, but it also raised a new question to drive the series forward. So why then have Damon, Carlton and Co. taken so much flack this year for their extremely gifted storytelling? And how does this relate to Traveler, as we prepare to assume Lost's time slot for the next two months?
Consider the following situation. You have to catch a bus, and you ask a stranger about the schedule.
You: "'Scuse me, do you know when the next bus arrives?"
Stranger: "Do I know when the next bus arrives?"
And that's all he says. He's answered your question with a question. Why? Well, you see, it turns out this stranger has been told by someone else to make sure he distracts you for at least 10 minutes. So, what should be a 10-second conversation suddenly turns into a lengthy conversation. The exchange continues:
You: "So, you do know the bus schedule?"
Stranger: "Of course. I've been on this bus many times. In fact, I met my wife on this very same route."
You: "Really?"
Stranger: "Yeah. I was 20, working as a newspaper reporter. And I'd lost my driver's license the night before. I had to take the bus to work. And there, sitting in the back row was this gorgeous brunette...."
Suddenly, you're intrigued. You want to know this guy's story. How did he lose his license? What was his future wife doing on this bus? Was it fate that brought them together? But after a while, you realize the reason you started this conversation in the first place. And eventually you want an answer to your question.
Now, this is basically a metaphor for what we creators of serialized shows go through. Most serialized shows are forced to stretch simple, meaningful story lines into 22-episode seasons. And while we the fans enjoy the stories, we also start to sense when we're being distracted from the original question. Sooner or later, that man needs to tell us about the bus.
Lost has come roaring back this year by answering questions and giving us new ones to explore, returning the show to the quality of its Emmy-winning first season. But how does this relate to Traveler? Quite simply, we had the luxury of crafting a season-long arc that did not have to stretch over 22 episodes. In fact, our first season — beginning, middle and end — fits into eight. That means we can flip your expectations and create new turns any time we please.
On Wednesday, May 30, ABC will rerun our pilot at 9 pm/ET and then show Episode 2, "The Retreat," at 10 pm. Even if you saw the pilot on May 10, I urge to watch it again so that the questions it raises are fresh in your mind, because we start answering those questions right off the bat with "The Retreat." Remember that scene from the pilot in Carlton Fog's office? Well, you'll learn who Tyler's old man was talking to. And even as we answer questions, we will make sure to replace them with new, even more compelling ones… though you'll have to wait until the end of the episode to understand that.
So for any TV fans out there worried that Traveler will be one more serialized show struggling to stretch its story over the course of a full season, I say, "Fear not." The people who write and produce this show are TV fans themselves. We've seen the pitfalls of the genre and done our best to avoid them, giving you a blend of action, character and emotion that you will not find on any other show this summer. And best of all, you only have to wait eight episodes to answer the question, "Who is Will Traveler?" — an answer which will propel us into Season 2.
I hope you enjoy "The Retreat." Please keep the comments coming, and I'll see ya down the road.
Dave
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May 25, 2007 3:50 PM
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I certainly hope this lasts into a second season! How difficult was it for you to rewrite the episodes when the order was cut from 13 to 8? I've heard interviews with Steven Culp who echoes what you've written here. He states his character is very multi-dimensional. I hope we get to see the depth. I'll tune in on Wednesday to see the next episode!
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May 25, 2007 7:46 PM
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Dave, thanks for posting an update. I've been checking this page and hoping you would! And thanks for letting us know you read our comments (I know Ranger99 appreciates the shout-out!).....
I'm really looking forward to next week's episode - and I'm planning to re-watch the pilot as well.
And I hope from your reference to Season 2 that we can expect Traveler to be back in summer, 2008!
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May 25, 2007 9:32 PM
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David - Great episode tonight! I'm absolutely loving Traveler and wish you all the best of luck!
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May 31, 2007 12:46 AM
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I've just finished watching the first two eps of Traveler and have to say I enjoyed them immensely.
Oddly enough, while Jay and Tyler's situation is definitely intriguing - and being handled in a very smart and entertaining manner, I came away from The Retreat a little more intrigued by our two lead FBI agents - and still pondering the actions of a character from the Pilot.
I have to wonder what mistakes Agent Marlowe [Viola Davis] made that let the non-too-gregarious Agent Chambers treat her so shabbily.
I also get the feeling that Agent Chambers has a very specific and unique agenda that may not run entirely contrary to that of Jay and Tyler - though he'll only discover that when they are able to clear themselves.
Finally, The Porter seems to be at odds with government - but why, exactly, is he helping our heroes? And how did he know where to intercept the FBI van? Talk about things that make you go, "Hmmmmmmmmm..."
Since your series has me thinking about these - and other - things, above and beyond the main story arc [Jay and Tyler], I'd have to say that you've really done your job well.
I'll be looking forward to reading your future blogs.
Good luck with the show. I hope it earns a second season.
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May 31, 2007 6:59 PM
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I am officially hooked!
I can definitely see how hard it can be to make a serialized show going. It's tough, but when a show manages to do it, the results are awesome.
As much as I loved the pilot, the 2nd episode was even better. The story moved forward, it was just as exciting as the pilot if not moreso, and we get to learn a little more about the characters. Much to my pleasant surprise, we get to learn more about the agents too.
Awesome awesome job Dave! I can't wait for next week!
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Jun 1, 2007 12:26 AM
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It seems to me that Will knows Tyler's dad...
And his dad is "the least of their problems"? That doesn't bode well.
Great show so far, it's nice to see a quality production with an engrossing story. I'm not sure where it's going, but I'll enjoy the ride there if the season continues on the same path.
Well played sir, well played.
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Jun 1, 2007 12:37 PM
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WOW what a great action packed show, it has such excitement and high drama. If I hadn't read about it in TV guide I would have missed the whole thing.
It has all the excitement of a roller coaster ride that keeps going!!!!
Excellent writing and acting skills~
Thank you for bringing such great quality to TV. Good job!!!!
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Jun 1, 2007 1:40 PM
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David,
Thanks for the blog and the great show. I'm really liking Traveler. Great way to spend Wed now that LOST is off the radar for the duration of a pregnancy.
I really enjoyed the ride. Lots of excitement, good lookin' boys, and an intriguing premise.
I enjoyed the perspective of the boys on the run as the agents went over why they were guilty. It was actually chilling to think that some of the normal things that they did could be construed as potential terrorists signs. This is a great idea during a time when most people don't seem to mind the government running over and into their lives. (I do!)
Very interested to see what's going on with Billy Mayo's porter character, and Tyler's dad. I think Jay and Tyler are really going to be testing their friendship in the next few episodes.
Oh, and I love Kim. I hope she continues to stand by her man. I've heard of stories before where one significant other is accused of something and their spouse sticks up for them 'cuz they know they didn't do it. (I know that my honey would never be capable of murder for example - so Kim's statement about Jay not being able to Kill anyone really rang true.) I also like the parallel between the time of her relationship with Jay and Jay's relationship with Kim. Seems Jay and Kim know each other better in a shorter time than Jay and "best friend" Will knew each other. Is this something you had planned?
Can't wait for more. I hope the audience sticks around for you. The show deserves a chance.
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Jun 2, 2007 9:10 AM
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I like the series so far. There seems to be a lot of areas where we have to suspend belief (Jay "watching" Tyler's arrest, the porter knowing exactly where the FBI van was going, no pics of Will in 2 years, etc.), but the show is entertaining, and that's the most important factor.
I regularly suspend belief to watch shows like 24, Prison Break, and Lost. So, I'm willing to do the same here as long as the show entertains.
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Jun 3, 2007 6:04 AM
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Dave,
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to watch an excellent show like Traveler. There is so little on TV worth watching. I rarely find a reason to use my time to watch television.
Keep up the good work. Your efforts are very much appreciated.
Best Regards,
Truerock
Houston, Texas
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Jul 26, 2007 8:57 PM
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