- Chat Transcript - 

YAHOO/ TV GEN SENTINEL SPECIAL CHAT SERIES

• Monday Jan 18 -- 8-9 EST (5-6 PST) - Danny Bilson and Paul DeMeo
• Monday Jan 25 -- 8-9 EST (5-6 PST) - Garett Maggart
• Monday Feb 01 -- 8-9 EST (5-6 PST) - Richard Burgi

Creators of The Sentinel and Viper, Danny Bilson and Paul DeMeo, January 18, 1999

TVGEN: Welcome! Tonight's chat is with the creators of The Sentinel and Viper, Danny Bilson and Paul DeMeo. The Sentinel returns to TV TONIGHT!

Paul DeMeo: This is Paul. Hello, and thanks for coming. We will try to answer as many questions as we can...with good answers.

Danny Bilson: Hello to all of our regular online fans!

Mick__C: What was Dean Valentine's reaction to the fans showing up for the press tour?

Bilson: I think he was very impressed! (Laughing)

DeMeo: I don't know that he had ever seen anything like that, except for Star Trek. He was pretty surprised when he walked in there, because we talked to him for a few minutes.

AnnieSenner: What is your favorite part of your job, and what is your least favorite part?

Bilson: I guess my favorite part is seeing the show finished. And my least favorite part is trying to fix a script.

DeMeo: I would have exactly the same answer. I like seeing the shows when they are all completed and the music is in. I like to see it the way people see it onTV. That's the best part.

AnnieSenner: You know we fans spend our free time thinking about characters and motivations — do you find yourself thinking of stuff like that on your downtime?

DeMeo: I think when I do have downtime, it is exactly that. I try not to think about work. Inevitably, you have thoughts about the story and shows. I tend to think more about the bigger picture than any specifics at any given moment. I think more about the stories than what the two characters are doing on the show. It is all part of the same thing, I guess.

Bilson: I think it is interesting that the actors tend to follow that line of thought. They tend to look at every show in terms of their character. They will follow things and catch continuity issues, etc., rather than the story and the big-picture issue.

Jim_and_Blair_Forever: It is rumored that there will be only eight episodes this season. Are there going to be any drastic surprises that will set up next season?

Bilson: Yes.

DeMeo: Yes. I don't know how drastic they are, but there are some surprises in the eighth episode that take us in another direction, let's say.

NO_Nightowl: Can we expect any story arcs this season?

DeMeo: No. I don't recall if there are any continuing threads.

Bilson: There are a lot of flashbacks to characters back in the previous years.

DeMeo: Yeah, that's true. Also, we are having several characters from past episodes go up again in these eight. We have Lee Taylor Younger, who plays Sandburg's mom. The Ice Man, and Garret Kincaid, and some of the basketball players from "Three Point Shot."

CMedina68: Was it interesting for you to watch "Murder 101" with the rally audience?

Bilson: I only saw the last 10 minutes — the helicopter chase. It was great. They were laughing and cheering, and it was really great. I was telling some of the producers that today.

DeMeo: I didn't realize the episode was so funny!

aleecat11: Can you see a future story line taking Jim and Blair out of Cascade for an extended period of time?

DeMeo: We have thought about doing this in the past, where we take them to L.A. or New York for two or three episodes. It is really more of a question of logistics and cost than story. Maybe in the future, but not this season.

_lulu_2: Will Lash show up to finish the job?

Bilson: (Laughing) Maybe. It is definitely possible.

BlairK_2: Your body of work delves into the fantastic. What are your influences?

DeMeo: There is a lot, really; for me personally, I read a lot of sci-fi and fantasy as a kid and all through my life, and always enjoyed that genre. And I read a lot of comic books. Still do read a lot of comic books. That is probably the major background. It is a real love for this genre. It is driven by affection. I really apreciate the combo of fantasy and intense storytelling. I would also add that Danny and I really love detective stories and detective fiction. Those movies from the '40s, '50s and '60s. Cop thrillers and such. There was a lot of influence from that area, as well.

njensenn: Were you surprised about the number of fans who watch the show for Jim and Blair's friendship relationship? Did you initially feel that the action would be what viewers wanted primarily?

Bilson: We always thought it would be a combo of both. The relationship, so that you care about the guys, and then the action.

DeMeo: I would also add that I think that we begin to emphasize the relationship and character stuff and humor in response to what we were hearing from the fans. It did have an influence on the content of the show.

readr99: Will we get to see Capt. Banks in the field, in the action more, in the upcoming episodes?

Bilson: I would say it is about the usual balance.

draven_lady: Do you have a favorite scene — one that you're most proud of?

Bilson: My favorite scene is the scene in "Warriors" that is all played in native dialect. It is between Alison and Incacha.

DeMeo: It is hard to pick. I think the one I am fond of is because it is in the first episode. The sequence that begins with him facing the suspect who is the serial bomber in the show. The climactic chase in the first episode. The one that is on tonight. It is a great sustained-action scene. You see the Sentinel's abilities used to the fullest.

_lulu_2: How different are the characters than the original draft?

DeMeo: I would say that like any series or group of stories about any characters, the characters naturally grow and evolve. And the contributions of the writers and actors who play them help them evolve and change. So there are certain lines or backbones of the characters that do remain the same, but, like people, they grow and take left turns and have surprising twists to what they end up doing.

Rivka_Chaya: How much of the characterization is from the actors?

Bilson: At least half. It depends on what is going on. A lot of it is them and who they are.

DeMeo: I think people are wondering who Ellison is. Ellison is the main character of the show. Just as an aside.

KAZfromOZ: What would you say are Ellison's major strengths and weaknesses? Ditto for Sandburg.

DeMeo: I would say that I would give one each. Ellison's greatest strength is his determination. His greatest weakness, which has been improved upon, is his skepticism. With Sandburg it's his enthusiasm and belief in the human spirit. If he did have a weakness it is that he is too trusting — in a good way, but sometimes it gets him in trouble.

AnnieSenner: Are you satisfied with the way Viper is going, with the cast change?

Bilson: Yeah. We think this year is the best year for Viper.

DeMeo: That's true. Bringing Jim McCaffrey back to the show has been great for us and great for the show. And the chemistry between the actors on the show is the best it has ever been, and the scripts are really good this year. It is absolutely the best year we have ever done.

NO_Nightowl: Is there any possibility of The Sentinel cast appearing on Viper this season?

DeMeo: I don't know if that is possible. They are both Paramount shows and Pet Fly shows and shot in Vancouver. They kind of exist in different worlds. If this is a question about the cast appearing, that is always possible. We don't have it planned. One actor can be on another show. But not really for the characters.

Bilson: Also, Richard Burgi was the recurring villain on the original NBC Viper.

akablonded: Who are some of the good "baddies" that we'll be seeing in the magic eight episodes?

DeMeo: We have The Ice Man and Kincaid; those are the two recurring villains that are two of our top five villains.

ysmccool: What's new out of Pet Fly?

DeMeo: At this moment, we are concentrating on finishing The Sentinel post-production. And Viper is shooting for about another month, and Danny is directing the last episode for Viper. And then we have to wait and see if the shows will be renewed for another season. If not, we will develop some new shows and write some features.

Rivka_Chaya: We have heard that Blair will be joining the police force, true?

Bilson: He might try.

McVey21: Is there a possibility of a Sentinel movie?

DeMeo: No plans.

JustJen526: It's pretty common to hear fans referring to the end of the third season as an overall story arc of Jim becoming increasingly off-balance emotionally. Was this intended, or just a product of fans' imaginations?

Bilson: I think it was kind of intentional, because all of those stories were throwing him off balance — the last couple for sure.

DeMeo: I don't know if that was fully intentional and plotted out to be that way. There was a conscious decision to concentrate on the issue of character and also the story arc of introducing the character of Megan, which created a lot of different situations for the guys. But sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.

MichelleVRR: How big a factor is the weather in Vancouver, as far as working out plots for episodes goes?

Bilson: It is not a factor in the story concept. In production it becomes part of the tone of the show unavoidably.

DeMeo: It is difficult productionwise because of the rain, and the days are short. But our crews go out no matter what the weather. It has to be pretty bad to stop us.

Jim_and_Blair_Forever: Are we ever going to see Blair finish his dissertation on Jim?

Bilson: Yes.

DeMeo: Kind of like magic eight ball — yes.

Bilson: Episode 8 this year.

Jim_and_Blair_Forever: Are there going to be any strains in the Jim and Blair dynamic friendship?

Bilson: Yes. (Laughing) At least two episodes of the eight are wrapped around that.

Adonis_in_Boxers: Why was the character of Megan dropped? We thought she was the best of the female characters.

Bilson: She wasn't dropped. She appears in three of the eight episodes this year.

stargate_sentinel: What is the strangest incident that's ever happened on the set?

DeMeo: That we finished an episode on time??!! (Laughing)

ListmomSunBird: Has UPN let you know in any way whether The Sentinel will be back? Any rumors?

DeMeo: Answer hazy, cannot predict now. (I'm still on the magic eight ball theme.)

Bilson: I think that the pick-up will depend on a combo of ratings and goodwill on the part of the network and its owners.

DeMeo: We truly don't know.

SorkaCat: I love the music for The Sentinel; it really sets a striking tone for the show. Was it difficult to decide on what music to use?

Bilson: From the beginning we wanted the music to echo his roots in the Peruvian jungle. We wanted ethnic rhythms to drive the score.

Myrna1_2_3: If you could update one TV show from the '60s or '70s, what show would you bring back?

Bilson: Combat.

DeMeo: I would like to do a '60s spy show, like Man from Uncle, but with the same feeling. That would be a lot of fun.

Danno17_82: Oh, magic ball, how many different locales have you shot in?

Bilson: Two locales: Vancouver and Los Angeles.

DeMeo: And Calgary for Viper.

Dunnethat: What was your initial response to the Internet campaign?

DeMeo: Gratitude and astonishment. I couldn't believe how quickly people got organized and the passion they displayed in trying to save the show. It was very gratifying.

BlairK_2: Will we ever learn Cassie's final fate?

Bilson: Are the fans really concerned about Cassie's final fate?

DeMeo: The reason Danny is asking that question is that the fan reaction we got to Cassie was not that great. Long story. Probably too long for this.

Bilson: It originated in the actor Tim Thomerson's backyard, where there were a lot of horses next door and it was a very hot day.

Myrna1_2_3: Approximately how much time does it take you to write an episode? Do you outline first and then write, or just write?

DeMeo: They are always outlined. First a concept is written, then a story is outlined. Then a script is written. And rewritten many times. I would say the average is a 5- to 6-week process.

AnnieSenner: Most Sentinel fans know what goes on in Vancouver. What goes on in the L.A. offices?

DeMeo: All of the writing, the L.A. casting. (The major guest-star parts are cast in L.A.) The shows are edited there. And all the post-production is done there.

CascadePD: I hate to ask a potentially stupid question, but does Jim get a better car this season? Please tell me he does.

Bilson: We like that car.

DeMeo: The answer is NO. The reason he has that car is that we smash it up so much. It is a story point, not a production point. Jim got tired of replacing new trucks, so he got an old truck that he could fix more easily.

Rivka_Chaya: Do you have an idea for a prospective next season?

DeMeo: I would say nothing in particular at this moment. Danny and I have been so consumed with these eight, which we have put a lot of personal time into. So we haven't sat down and started thinking of potential stories for next season yet.

kkeebler83: What inspired you to come up with this kind of show?

DeMeo: We wanted to do an action show that had a big production value, and we knew that for us personally, we couldn't do a straight cop show. We had to bring an unusual element to it. And we like putting genres together. It was all about trying to put a different spin on the show.

_lulu_2: Which of the eight is your personal favorite?

Bilson: My favorite has to be the last one, because it is the most dramatic and unusual.

DeMeo: I agree. A lot of things culminate in that episode that have to do with the series as a whole. There are others, too, that I like. There is one coming up that is shot partially in black and white. And we also did a story with a supernatural plot, which we have been wanting to do for quite a while.

AnnieSenner: Any chance you'd take The Sentinel to another network or to syndication?

Bilson: We looked at those possibilities at one point, but the back-end deal for The Sentinel doesn't really allow the show to play on a nonmajor network.

DawnBigfoot: Any plans to delve into Blair as a shaman?

Bilson: It is touched on here and there. He is certainly the spirit guide.

N_V_ER: Did the fans react to the clip from this season's ender that you were editing during the Pet Fly tours the way you expected?

Bilson: The answer is yeah. That is how I hoped they would react. I wanted to give them something to talk about. Two weeks from tonight.

DragonStage: When does the new year run start showing on the air?

DeMeo: There are five new episodes in a row. From Feb. 1 up to and including March 1. This is the schedule for right now. Then there are two months of reruns, and Danny and I picked a list from previous seasons. I don't know if they will take our suggestions. And then the last three new episodes will play in May.

Kristy_4: Danny, since you have said that you listen to what the fans would like to see in the show, any chance that Jim will show more appreciation for Blair this season, in light of what happened in "Sen Too"?

DeMeo: I think those things are resolved in these episodes. Certainly the conflict from the cliffhanger is resolved in the first episode. But things do happen in individual stories to create conflict between characters, because it makes it more interesting.

grndcntrl: Are you happy with the Monday-night time slot?

Bilson: I prefer Wednesday at 8 pm. We were very successful at 8 on Wednesday. Tonight is uncharted territory. I would rather be where we know we have succeeded before.

NO_Nightowl: Have you heard if either UPN or Paramount will do any Sentinel merchandising? We'd love to buy some souvenirs.

DeMeo: And we wish there was.

Bilson: As far as we know there will be none.

DeMeo: You can't even buy a T-shirt or hat, which is a bummer.

Caorann: What were your suggestions for reruns?

Bilson: "Flight," "Warriors," "The Rig," "Spare Parts," "Ice Man," "Red Dust," "Dead Drop," "Cypher" and "Vendetta."

DawnBigfoot: Were there things you really wanted to do with the show but couldn't?

DeMeo: Yeah, more episodes.

Bilson: Ditto.

DeMeo: No.

Bilson: Not yet.

diellison: Does Blair move out of Jim's loft?

DeMeo: Those are the answers to the questions, above.

Bilson: Thanks guys for all the support. We have to go now.

TVGEN: Remember everyone: Garrett will be here next Monday, and Richard will be here on Feb. 1, chatting and answering your questions!

DeMeo: Don't forget we have a new time slot, which is Monday night at 9 pm EST. It's UPN, so make sure to catch it.

 

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