Posted on 11/13/2002 6:47:01 AM PST by H8DEMS
In a move that will put ABC on par with NBC, HBO and Showtime in regard to groundbreaking gay-themed television, the network is developing a murder-mystery detective series featuring gay partners in the lead roles -- a first in TV programming.
"Mr. and Mr. Nash," starring actor-director-screenwriter Alan Cumming in one of the title roles, will feature a gay couple living in San Francisco that has an interior design business. The hook: They stumble upon a new murder mystery each week, not unlike "Hart to Hart," a successful murder mystery from the early '80s that included lighthearted humor.
Whether this show, which is being produced by Steve Martin along with Carsey-Werner-Mandabach (CWM) -- the production team behind hits "The Cosby Show," "Rosanne," "Dynasty" and currently "That '70s Show" -- will perpetuate or break gay stereotypes remains to be seen, according to Scott Seomin, GLAAD's entertainment media director.
"This is a murder mystery show and these guys are going to be smart and will hopefully be doing some stereotype-busting," Seomin told the Gay.com/PlanetOut.com Network. "Stereotypes are based in truth and humor. We as a community can laugh at ourselves and others better than any other minority."
While shows like "Ellen" and "Will & Grace" brought gay and lesbian characters into America's living rooms, "Mr. and Mr. Nash" will be the first to feature a committed gay couple on prime-time network TV.
"There are a lot of firsts in gay and lesbian programming and this is one of them," Seomin said. "The fact that it's coming from Martin and Carsey-Werner is incredible news. Carsey-Werner has an incredible track record (with their shows), many of which have been inclusive of gay and lesbian story lines."
For this show to work, the angle of the gay relationship will have to be showcased, Seomin said.
"The show is going to be pinned to chemistry between the leads," he said. "(The relationship) will be shown and it is necessary. If they're not going to be a couple, then make them friends."
CMW will soon start looking for Cumming's perfect match and will shoot the pilot this spring. Depending on ABC's plans, the show may air in the fall of 2003.
Next thing you know they'll be letting gays sit at the front of the bus.
While I think this whole story is a joke I do have a suggestion for casting his other half/bottom.
They should not fall into the old trap of casting only certain body types for a character. Such as only fat men as Santa when fat women could play the part just as well, or even better at times.
They should not follow the obvious route and only look at male actors for Mr. Cumming's love interest and co-lead. They should search for the best possible actor which should include looking at Lesbians of a certain look.
Specifically the Lesbians that have that "Stand By Me" movie, 12 y.o. boy, toughskin wearing with a cuffed pant leg, plaid print collared shirt, hkiking boots wearing, crew cut hairstyle and a chain from the belt loop to the oversized wallet look.
That is how, in a truly equality based society, acting roles would be cast.
I say break down all barriers in society not just minor ones like two guys tongue kissing and fondling eachother in Prime Time.
My guess is that it wasn't the subject matter so much as the casting. John Goodman became known to millions of people as fully heterosexual Dan on the Rosanne show, its difficult for many actors to break out of the role that made them stars. Only a handful of TV stars have done it, and only if there are similarities between the old character they played, and the new one being foisted upon us. Look at all the flops from the old Seinfeld cast.
Doesn't ABC realize the Clinton/90s era of liberal BS is over now?
Which party controls the White House (and Congress, for that matter) has no bearing on what Hollywood serves up. There were many "ground-breaking" (as they'd call it) concepts introduced during the Reagan years, too.
I expect that it is harder than ever for a new TV show to build sufficient audience, given the extreme competition from the Internet, the sheer number of satellite and cable channels, and the prevalence of VCRs and DVDs. The numbers that got Star Trek cancelled in the late 1960's would be blockbuster ratings today.
He didn't want to leave his partner's behind.
They profile white, straight males and cruise around strip bars.
As the series goes on, they kidnap a baby from China and bring it to Vermont.
They call it their baby and sell antiques on the side. HA!
Hart to Hart was a wonderful show about a great marriage, and fine and decent people. This is pure TRASH!!
Is that a pistol in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?
Nam Vet
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