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« David's Traveler Blog
"The Porters"
Nothing like having a posse get your back when someone throws dirt in your eye. That's what I was thinking as I read the 45 — yes, 45! — comments that came in response to last week's blog and the news that ABC has let our contracts lapse. With the enormous outpouring of support here, on IMDb and on the various fan forums, I wanted to make sure you guys knew that we at Traveler appreciate all the dedication you've shown to the series. And thus, I have affectionately deemed you "the Porters." This is, of course, an allusion to Billy Mayo's character, the guy who keeps an eye on Jay, Tyler and Will when Jack Freed's Homeland Security thugs get in the way. So, my "Porters," I have promised another Q&A for this entry, and I will get to answering the questions I managed to sift out from those wonderful 45 comments you left last week:
JKEB126 writes: Is there any way that the network will not cancel it for next season?
The million-dollar question. Right now, with the Nielsen numbers where they are, I'd say we're a step closer to an official cancellation announcement. But after the Jericho campaign, I'm never going to say "never." My goal right now is to make sure Traveler has a life after its eight-episode network run. Your loyalty and support helps us as we try to get Traveler released on iTunes and DVD so the folks who missed us this summer can find us down the road, and you guys have a permanent place in your collection for the show.
JENAH writes: Say, where was that petition again...?
The petition is at petitiononline.com/willtrav/petition.html.
Ico writes: Hey, David, ever thought about shopping the show to cable TV, like USA Network? This show seems like something they might be interested in.
This is a common question from the fans. Thus far, this has not seemed possible for two reasons: Our Nielsen numbers have not been high enough to garner significant interest from other channels, and our show is somewhat expensive to make due to its action component. I am looking into the "nontraditional" viewership numbers — DVR and digital downloads — to get a more accurate idea of our audience size. With the large online fan base, I have a hard time believing that the Nielsens fully reflect our viewership. Even if these numbers don't get the show picked up by another network, they will help in our fight to get the show released on DVD and iTunes.
Ilovee2dance09 writes: The show is absolutely amazing. Why would they want to stop the season early and not bring it back?
Thank you for this sentiment. It's very important that we all channel our frustration in a positive manner. I am upset with our show's treatment, but I also understand ABC's decision when I put myself in their shoes. Last fall every show in this genre, from Kidnapped to Vanished to The Nine to Day Break, was getting axed faster than a dame who married Henry VIII. At the same time, we were experiencing the growing pains that every first-year show goes through. The network had not even seen a cut of the episodes when Will comes back into play. The combination of seeing audience aversion to the genre and creative concerns about the show caused them to cut our season and release us without real promotion in the summertime.
Callmecrazy0814 writes: What's with the little parts in the field office where they are always saying, "Sir, you need to contact our bureau in Chicago. I'm afraid Los Angeles is outside our current search radius," starting at the second episode and repeated in other episodes? There must be a reason why the writers put that in multiple times.
Callmecrazy, you have caught what we call a gaffe. This was a piece of temporary ADR that did not get replaced in the final sound mix for Episode 3. (ADR is additional dialogue that is added by our voice group to fill in the background of large scenes. It can also be done by our lead actors when we need to trim scenes or add in an additional piece of information after the scene has already been shot.)
Lswanson63 writes: 1) Any news on a DVD release?? I'd love to get this show on DVD, as well as any behind-the-scenes commentary and/or bonus features. 2) Do you know what Logan [Marshall-Green] or Matt [Bomer] are up to now? Any possibility you'd work with them again on a new project? 3) I won't ask too many plot-related questions, since I know you won't answer them right now, but the scene where we find out that Tyler's dad actually tried to have them killed was really disturbing. Was that hard to shoot? Can you better explain Carlton's motivations? I don't think I quite understood what could have been so important as to sacrifice your own child. 4) Was there anything that was cut that you wished you hadn't had to?
1) No news yet. I'm working on it. 2) Matt and Logan have both returned to the stage this summer. Matt can be seen in Villa America at the Williamstown Theatre Festival. And Logan just finished a run in Geometry of Fire at the Powerhouse Theater in New York. I would love to work with them, as well as the rest of this cast. 3) Carlton's motivations will be fully explained in due time. 4) I always liked the idea of exploring Fallbrook Dunn, a crisis management firm in D.C. that might have had a hand in creating some of the chaos that it later helps control. In these days of Halliburton and its work in Iraq, I find the idea of private business influencing public policy fascinating.
Fx772k1 writes: When creating a new show, how far ahead do you plan out the concept? Do you have an idea of the story line if given 100 episodes?
We pitched the broad strokes of the first season, the second season and an ultimate endgame. No creator could tell you a 100-episode story arc upfront. And if they did, it would all completely change by Episode 4 once you were in production. TV is a fast-moving beast, and serialized shows consume story like we consume oxygen. That's why you have to hand it to the guys at Lost, 24 and Prison Break. They've been pounding out compelling full 22-episode seasons for years.
Fnich1 writes: How do the network bigwigs expect to attract viewers when they keep pulling the plug so early? It's getting to the point where I don't want to watch any new TV until the series has been established for a season or two.
I think you've hit on a real issue with network TV. Gone are the days when shows are allowed to grow an audience. Think what would happen if Seinfeld were released today. It most likely would have been cancelled due to low viewership. Seriously, I loved that show, but the first four episodes of Seinfeld are nothing like the show once it hit its creative stride and became a huge hit. As you guys head into the new TV season, all I can say is, "Don't be afraid to commit to a show." I think the perception that "serialized shows don't last" hurt Traveler more than anything. If the audience does not tune in because they think a show is going to get cancelled, then the ratings will never be there and the network has no choice but to cancel the show. Watch the shows you want to watch and then let the chips fall where they may. And if I can make one recommendation for the fall, check out Pushing Daisies. It is brilliantly written, well cast, incredibly original, smart, funny, and it's getting a ton of network support from ABC. If it does not work, I will lose all faith in TV.
Thus concludes our longest blog entry to date. Hope I got to all the questions. Now, a preview for "The Exchange," the big finale [airing Wednesday at 10 pm/ET]! Despite the amazing speed and pressure that was on us to make this show, I feel we still managed to save the best episode for last. We got to wrap five episodes of story into one. You will find out Will's role in the bombing. You will learn whether his loyalties lie with Jay and Tyler, Jack Freed, or himself. You will see the climax of the power struggle that has crippled the FBI's effectiveness in the Drexler investigation. And you will get another trademark Traveler cliff-hanger.
I know there will be questions. When/if we are officially cancelled, I will return to this blog to answer them all with a "series wrap-up" because "the Porters" deserve a satisfactory ending to this journey. Here's hoping we can provide it with more episodes. If not, you'll read it here.
See you down the road,
Dave
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Jul 13, 2007 3:38 PM
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Wow, David, your blogs are GREAT! Well-written. I was palpatating with excitemt and scoured the web for ANY Traveler info for what seems like yrs and was so sad to find it becoming DOA before airing! Fascinating premise. I agree that with Prison Break/Alias/24 established/worn-out and so many others failing in Fall, the timing was sadly doomed. Thank you X a million for agreeing to not leave us hanging plotwise! Best of luck in future endeavors.
Jen in Tenn, disallusioned by the premature death of past faves: My So-Called Life, Key West (Fisher Stevens, Jennifer Tilly!), and the continually shoddy netwk treatmt of Scrubs...
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Jul 13, 2007 3:55 PM
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...oh, and is Maya is REALLY dead, or is she "Mary" somewhere else? A photo can be doctored, as Will should know. That tattooed killer in episode 7 ("Reunion") did sound like he'd "done his job" and I supposed he woulda told Will it was a hoax to avoid being shot. Pls confirm in your wrap-up, if possible. And I'd like more info about the walking man in the park with Will -- he's not J. Freed, so what's his connection? On a side note, what was up with the interrogator lady (in the fake hotel) and her vacation conversation with J. Freed? A little work-related nookie in Barbados? I'm hoping the fall of Hometown and the FBI corruption has something to do with the supposedly egregious error of Marlowe's and that she'll end up vindicated! Poor girl is FUBAR with her boss after what just happened in ep. 7!
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Jul 13, 2007 4:08 PM
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I'm proud to be among The Porters! Thanks for answering our questions, David. I can only imagine the nightmare of adjusting your story arc from 13 to 8 episodes, while you're already halfway done with writing and filming. I write cartoons and there are days when I want to scream and I've experienced NOTHING like what you must have experienced. And still, you produced a show that's a riveting exhilerating ride. And better than 3/4 of the shows on network TV. If Traveler doesn't get picked up it's definitely ABC's loss. I'll be in line for a) the DVD and b) whatever show you do next!
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Jul 13, 2007 4:30 PM
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From a fellow "porter" (I wear that label proudly!) - Thank you David! But, what if "Traveler" just drifts into "permanent hiatus" limbo? Will we still get a story wrap-up?  "> Please?
I can't wait to see the finale! I only wish it wasn't the FINALE!
It has been much fun reading your blogs every week - it adds so much to the show to get a bit of background from the creator.
 
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Jul 13, 2007 5:57 PM
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Thanks Dave - you have provided a real insight into the perils of making quality TV programming. I enjoyed the heck out of last weeks episode and I really look forward to (and dread) the finale next week. I have also been looking forward to you coming back and letting us know "the big picture"
Thank you again!
Your #1 Porter
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Jul 13, 2007 7:07 PM
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Thanks for answering so many questions. I love this show!
The ratings system is all wrong, I know for a fact that Traveler has a lot of fans/viewers.
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Jul 13, 2007 8:47 PM
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Unfortunately, I am one of those folks who did not have a chance to watch Traveler this past spring/summer. After hearing the reviews of the show from fans, I realized that I missed a great show. I would love the opportunity to purchase a copy of this show on DVD!
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Edited by Baileigh at 07/13/2007 7:22 PM
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Jul 13, 2007 10:20 PM
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Thanks for new name, Dave. I'm definitely a huge fan and supporter of Traveler. I'm really looking forward to watching the season finale of Traveler and also hoping that it'll be on for a second season and many more. I know that if Traveler gets canceled I'm going to lose my mind. I know that sounds silly but I simply love that show and have put so much effort into helping it stay for a second season. I cannot even comprehend what you guys are going through so I won't bother to complain any further.
I am also thankful that if the show gets canceled [knocks on wood], you will reveal the rest to us.
I love Matthew Bomer and Pascale Hutton on the show and will be devastated if they can't act together anymore.
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Jul 13, 2007 11:46 PM
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Hi Dave -- There would have been 46 comments if I had registered sooner (I commented but the system wouldn't let me sign in). I love this show so much, and I've been talking about it like a crazy person to all my friends and family, only to learn of the likely cancellation--what a huge disappointment! I've commented on IMDB as well, and have had everyone I know sign the petition. If we can't persuade the network to give us another season, I would LOVE to see a Traveler movie! Thanks for the insight into how the networks operate these days. I don't know where the Nielsen ratings come from, but I wish I could provide some input. It seems that every time I get hooked on a show, the network pulls the plug. And for what it's worth, I don't think the idea that "serialized shows don't last" was what hurt Traveler the most, but lack of promotion by ABC, and perhaps the later time slot...but I'm still a devoted fan of Lost, so what do I know...heheh If Traveler had premiered in the Fall, I have no doubt that it would have been ABC's biggest hit of the season! How sad that they didn't realize this. Take care, and thanks again for all the great information! Niki (a loyal Porter)
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Jul 14, 2007 1:20 PM
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I've been following both the show and your blog since the beginning, so I wanted to get a comment in before it might be too late.
Love the show, and cannot wait for the finale! It seems to get better and better with each episode - it would be such a shame if that ends for good. I, for one, would immediately run out and get the DVD set, if you can pull that one off. I don't quite understand the low viewer numbers either, since it seems like every time I have a conversation with someone about the lack of decent summer television, I get "Yeah, I'm just watching [random show] and this show called 'Traveler'." (And if they're not watching it, I attempt to talk them into it.) We're definitely out here, we love you, and we appreciate having something really great to watch over the summer!
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Jul 14, 2007 3:48 PM
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Thanks for answering our questions and for recognizing that we are here! Sometimes we wonder if the folks running shows - or the networks - realize that the fans are here - and committed!
I've enjoyed Traveler very much and will be so sad Wednesday night at the conclusion. I hope it will be out on DVD, though, so I can purchase a copy for my own library - as well as gifts for friends!
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Jul 14, 2007 5:36 PM
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Thank you Dave for your Blog keeping the Porters (love the name) up to date on the status of the show. Traveler has just the right mix of action (like the incredibly filmed chase scenes) and thought provoking plot twists to be highly entertaining television.
Being at the upper end of the 18 to 49's, my favorites in the cast are the FBI Agents: Jan Marlow played by Viola Davis, Guillermo Borjes played by Anthony Ruivivar and my favorite, Special Agent in Charge Fred Chambers played by Steven Culp. These are three outstanding actors and you did a great job snagging them for this series. Question 1) Do you know what these three are doing now?
Frankly, I do not understand why Neilsen thinks no one is watching this program. When I mention it, everyone says "Oh yeah, did you see last week's episode? Do you think... (insert intense speculation)?" There is a lot of water cooler buzz about Traveler in offices and among friends. I am really looking forward to this being released on DVD so I can watch it again. It is one of those programs where each time you see it you catch something you missed before. Question 2) Any news on the DVD front?
Question 3) Do you think the implication of a government conspiracy (Homeland Security, FBI) had anything to do with ABC's reluctance to promote and renew the program? There might be some reluctance on that front since 9/11 and due to more recent political events. Good luck with your future projects. Please let us know what you have planned for the future.
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Jul 15, 2007 9:32 AM
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Question about the Nielsen ratings? Are they still done by people filling out those "TV Journals"? With digital cable how is there a need for Nielsen anymore? Why don't the networks just ask the cable companies what the numbers where for that channel since they can track everything internally. Nielsen is an outdated system, we have the technology to actually track every single household now instead of obtaining a small sampling via Nielsen.
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Jul 15, 2007 11:09 AM
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Dave,
Thank you so much for all your efforts and for keeping us informed. I love the "Porter" title. I am looking forward to episode 8(I will not say finale yet) as are a lot of people. There were only 45 posts here but tons on IMDB and on Traveler Forum. These posts come from so many different types of people(demographics anyone???) and I hope that you got a sense of accomplishment from reading them. As I have said elsewhere, the cast and crew should be very proud of the body of work they have created. We Porters are truly grateful. The Porters are not giving up yet!!!
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Jul 16, 2007 5:34 PM
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