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Dead Like Me cancelled

#91
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7/20/06 at 3:20pm
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Re: Dead Like Me cancelled?

Still, the show will probably fare better than, say, The Sopranos, which will probably end up a half-hour sitcom by the time they trim the violence, bleep the foul language and pixelate every background shot at "The Bing".


A few years ago, MadTV did a take on what syndicated reruns of The Sopranos would look like. It was freaking hilarious. You can probably find it on YouTube.

"How wonderful it will be to have a leader unburdened by the twin horrors of knowledge and experience." -- Mr. Wick

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#92
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8/23/06 at 11:03pm
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Re: Dead Like Me cancelled?

I still have to check for this, but I was told that in the 200th Episode of Stargate SG-1, at some point when Walter is walking around the studio lot, in the background is a "Dead Like Me - Season 3" poster.

Does anyone know if this is true? Does anyone know if there is anything in the works to revive this great show?
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#93
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8/24/06 at 3:47am
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Re: Dead Like Me cancelled?

There isn't anything like that in the works. Sorry. It was an in-joke, apparently.
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#94
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8/24/06 at 4:22am
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Re: Dead Like Me cancelled?

I can't check this. I accidently recorded over that tape, (with the Shatner roast).
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#95
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8/24/06 at 5:38am
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Re: Dead Like Me cancelled?

Just realilzed that Ellen Muth will be at Dragon Con (the next coming Labor Day weekend). Woo hoo!

"Jee-sus, it's like Iwo Jima out there" - Roger Sterling on "Mad Men"
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#96
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4/3/07 at 10:45pm
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Re: Dead Like Me cancelled?

I caught a pair of episodes of this on HDNet this weekend (uncut/commercial free, BTW), and am intrigued. They were the fourth and fifth episodes of season one. Ellen Muth is just so unusual in many ways. She's not particularly pretty, but she's definitely appealing. And, her really strange acting style really stands out--from her monotone voice to her quirky expressions. Just about every scene at the day job is comedy gold, and it's all because of the way she expresses herself. It's funny to see someone who doesn't know what to say, so the most bizarre things always come out of her mouth.

"We're going to this new stationary store for lunch! You want to come with?"

Her expression alone says, "Fuck no, I don't want to come with!", but then she says, "I'm one month sober today" (awkward!) "and my sponsor is taking me to the park to fly kites to celebrate." I was ing my ass off at that. And then the increasingly awkward things coming out of Delores's mouth. Since HDNet doesn't have any more episodes scheduled, I'm definitely going to have to consider the box set. I had zero plans to watch this, but was too lazy to find the remote. I'm glad I was.
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#97
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4/4/07 at 8:44am
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Re: Dead Like Me cancelled?

I had never heard of this series until I started getting the HDNet channel. I have been hooked and watching all the episodes, when I remember. There are only two seasons, right?

Lawn Ranger Motto: You're only young once, but you can be always be immature.

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#98
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4/4/07 at 8:50am
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Re: Dead Like Me cancelled?

Quote:
I'm definitely going to have to consider the box set. I had zero plans to watch this, but was too lazy to find the remote. I'm glad I was.

Nearly all of human progress has been the result of laziness. Inventions come out of some lazy guy doing something active and saying, "There's got to be an easier way of doing this." Art, literature and philosophy all started with some lazy guy saying, "I was going to go get something, but screw it. It's pretty here, I'm comfortable, and I just wanna veg out for awhile."



I discovered Dead Like Me when a friend lent me the first season. Then HDNet started the reruns and I watched it all over again and then went into the second season. It is very good stuff indeed. You should definitely buy the discs. Just wait until the next time DeepDiscount.com or somebody has a "Buy 1 Get 1 Free" sale. That's how I got my sets. (And I'm glad I did since Comcast recently took over cable service in my area as part of their Adelphia acquisition and promptly dropped HDNet and HDNetMovies, so I was not able to continue watching the show in hi-def.)

Regards,

Joe
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#99
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4/4/07 at 8:51am
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Re: Dead Like Me cancelled?

Quote:
There are only two seasons, right?

Yup, just the two. More's the pity. There were hints of the show going in some pretty interesting directions had there been a third.

Regards,

Joe
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My niece, "Miss Goofy Face"
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#100
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4/4/07 at 9:35am
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Re: Dead Like Me cancelled?

Quote:
(And I'm glad I did since Comcast recently took over cable service in my area as part of their Adelphia acquisition and promptly dropped HDNet and HDNetMovies, so I was not able to continue watching the show in hi-def.)
I was not happy to read that. Comcast is set to purchase the Insight cable, we have locally. I will be pissed if they take that off our system. What did Comcast replace HD Net and HD Net movies, with?

Lawn Ranger Motto: You're only young once, but you can be always be immature.

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#101
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4/4/07 at 10:06am
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Re: Dead Like Me cancelled?

Quote:
What did Comcast replace HD Net and HD Net movies, with?

Another ESPN HD channel (which mostly does not broadcast in HD) and VSGolf Channel, a hybrid devoted to (mostly not HD) golf, "extreme" (non) sports and bullriding. (WTF????) Naturally, I'm thrilled. All of this as part of an effort to standardize Comcast's channel line-up across the country. (They also changed nearly all of the channel numbers, since Comcast uses blocks of channel numbers to organize its offerings. HD channels are all in the 400s, for instance, while Spanish language channels and premium cable channels occupy other blocks.)

When they did the cut-over I had to reprogram all of my recordings on my cable-company HD-DVR, since Comcast's box, now running Comcast's software, was incapable of dealing with the fact that my "every episode" (a poor man's "Season Pass") recording of, say, House now had to point to a different channel. Adelphia changed channel assignments sometimes, too, but never en masse like that. When they did, my old SD TiVo boxes had no trouble automatically resetting my season passes based on the new channel line-up info Adelphia sent them. But Comcast couldn't manage to get the same to itself and make it work.

(On the other hand, they are supposed to be rolling out a new DVR service based on TiVo software in my area come July or August, which I'm hoping will make my life a lot easier. In the meantime I send them an e-mail about once a month with a list of HD channels I'd like them to get, and several I'd like to see them drop. )

Regards,

Joe
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#102
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4/4/07 at 12:55pm
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Re: Dead Like Me cancelled

It's not part of this discussion, but I should note that when I say HDNet has no further episodes schedule, I merely mean that none are showing up on my DVR's search. If they are scheduled more than a couple of weeks out, it will do that. Still, I've missed the pilot and a couple others, so I'd rather not keep watching them on HDNet and just get the DVDs.
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#103
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4/9/07 at 4:08am
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Re: Dead Like Me cancelled?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Marty M
I will be pissed if they take that off our system. What did Comcast replace HD Net and HD Net movies, with?
INHD.

It isn't really a matter of replacing, though. When Comcast acquires a network, like all other major, profitable, cable companies, they convert the acquisition over to their standard array of services. This is how they stay in business and stay highly profitable, fulfilling their responsibility to their owners.
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#104
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4/18/07 at 10:35pm
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Re: Dead Like Me cancelled

They're (finally) showing the first season of Dead Like Me here in New Zealand, and I am really loving it. Great show.

Anyway, I thought I would highlight a short extract from this article from Home Media Magazine about MGM's new direct-to-video division:
Quote:
MGM also will develop a film version of the acclaimed Showtime series "Dead Like Me." The dark comedy will be directed by Stephen Herek (Man of the House).
So that's an intriguing prospect - new Dead Like Me as a feature length direct-to-DVD. According to the SciFi Wire, it will be written by Stephen Godchaux. But will they keep the cast?
AFI Top 100 lists:
100 Movies, 100 Thrills - Completed
100 Laughs - 24 to go - last seen: The Freshman
100 Passions - 39 to go - last seen: Breakfast At Tiffany's
100 Heroes & Villains - 10 to go - last seen: Tom Powers in The Public Enemy100 Songs - 44 to go - last seen: "When You Wish upon a Star"...
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#105
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4/19/07 at 8:45am
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Re: Dead Like Me cancelled

Quote:
So that's an intriguing prospect - new Dead Like Me as a feature length direct-to-DVD. According to the SciFi Wire, it will be written by Stephen Godchaux. But will they keep the cast?

I hope this will be an extension and continuation of the series, but the description is ambiguous and this could be a remake or adaptation of the story to a self-contained film. (A la the Harrison Ford Fugitive.) Most of the other projects mentioned seemed to be remakes or spin-offs, rather than revivals of past projects.

Still, we'll have to see.

Among the early first projects approved for Warner Bros. direct-to-disc division was Baylon 5: The Lost Tales, which is envisioned as a series of releases, with each disc containing up to three 20 minute "short stories" set in the B5 universe, each focusing on one or two original characters and some new ones. (The first disc, consisting of two related 45 minute stories has been delivered to the studio and is due for release at the end of July.)

Universal has been planning a stand-alone Battlestar Galactica movie as one of its first D2D offerings, but I'm not sure what the status of that project is now.

If MGM is considering a one-shot, or even a few "TV movies" to continue or wrap up the story, they should have a decent chance of getting the original cast. Even Mandy Patinkin might return if they shoot while Criminal Minds is on hiatus. He seemed to have genuinely liked doing the show and developing his character, so he might welcome the chance to try that role on again, even if the money isn't huge and he has to squeeze the work in between other projects.

I'll be interested in seeing how this story develops.

Regards,

Joe
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#106
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4/20/07 at 12:28pm
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Re: Dead Like Me cancelled

To be honest I'll watch the DEAD LIKE ME movie no matter what its about or who's in it. But I really hope its not a "reimagining" or something like that, I mean atleast have it be a sequel or a spin-off with a couple of the old characters (or atleast mentions of the characters). Although I would actually be happy if the who Joy storyline was forgotten (or kept to a minimum)
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#107
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4/20/07 at 12:56pm
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Re: Dead Like Me cancelled

I'd like to see them explorer George's rather unusual relationship with the gravelings, and find out how much Rube knows (or suspects) about it. And find out more about Rube himself and his rather mysterious past. The problem with using the original cast is that Reapers do not, by definition, age. They stay the age they were when they died. And there's a limit to what can be done to realistically hide the difference time makes. Ellen Muth just turned 27 and even 4 years ago she was playing a character younger than her actual years. I haven't seen her lately, so I don't how much of a problem this might be in her case. (Or anyone else's for that matter, although I'd say Rube remains timeless. )

Regards,

Joe
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#108
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4/20/07 at 2:26pm
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Re: Dead Like Me cancelled

Quote:
Originally Posted by buffycritter97
To be honest I'll watch the DEAD LIKE ME movie no matter what its about or who's in it.

I hear it's going to be Teletubbies only.

"How wonderful it will be to have a leader unburdened by the twin horrors of knowledge and experience." -- Mr. Wick

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#109
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4/20/07 at 4:30pm
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Re: Dead Like Me cancelled

Quote:
Originally Posted by Joseph DeMartino
Ellen Muth just turned 27 and even 4 years ago she was playing a character younger than her actual years. I haven't seen her lately...

Because she has not worked since DLM and seems to have no more interest in show biz.

"No one would know us there."

-Far From Heaven- (2002)

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#110
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7/13/07 at 10:58pm
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Re: Dead Like Me cancelled

I just came across a reference to this page, which has audition details for lots of projects, including the Dead Like Me movie.

The big news: no Rube, new character called Calvin as head reaper, they're recasting Daisy (no! I really like Laura Harris), but other than that sounds like everyone is present. John Masius wrote the script.

The actual casting notice is in the spoiler box, because it has quite a bit of detail about the plot:
Warning Spoiler! Click to show
(Montreal, Canada) - Send photographs & resumes ASAP to: Paul Weber Casting, MGM Tower / 2nd flr., Ste. 2060, 10250 Constellation Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90067. Title: DEAD LIKE ME. CAST, Ellen Muth, Callum Blue, Britt McKillit, Jasmine Guy, Cynthia Stevenson; PROD, Hudson Hickman, Craig Rossler, Sara Berrisford; DIR, Steven Herek; SCR, John Masius. Contract: Union. Shoot Dates (for this role): July 3, 2007 (in Montreal, Canada). STORY: When Calvin Kane, a slick businessman who couldn't care less about helping the newly dead, takes over Rube's Head Reaper duties, all hell breaks loose, bringing out the worst in Daisy, Roxy, and Mason. George, however, is determined to set her latest, botched reap right, especially because the boy who was supposed to die, Hudson Hart, is her little sister Reggie's secret boyfriend. In the process, George and Reggie re-connect for real, for the first time. Breakdown-- Daisy: Late 20s-Early 30s, Caucasian, preferably blonde, pretty and spoiled. She's an actress who died in the 1930s, supposedly on a set fire during the filming of "Gone With the Wind." Despite her somewhat immoral and solipsistic world-view, Daisy can be charming, extremely likeable and generous when the mood strikes her. To Mason's jealousy and annoyance, Daisy immediately falls for Calvin, the new Head Reaper, who helps Daisy secure an understudy role in the play "After the Fall." Of course, being an understudy will not do for Daisy, and she deliberately injures the lead actress so she can take over the part. However, the stress of performing every night proves too much for Daisy, and she begins drinking heavily -- even during performances. Her love affair with Calvin sours quickly after that, and Daisy realizes, along with Mason and Roxy, that slacking on her reaper duties has been her true downfall. NAMES PREFERRED. Lead. (Posted: June 20, 2007)
AFI Top 100 lists:
100 Movies, 100 Thrills - Completed
100 Laughs - 24 to go - last seen: The Freshman
100 Passions - 39 to go - last seen: Breakfast At Tiffany's
100 Heroes & Villains - 10 to go - last seen: Tom Powers in The Public Enemy100 Songs - 44 to go - last seen: "When You Wish upon a Star"...
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#111
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7/14/07 at 1:38pm
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Re: Dead Like Me cancelled

Sucks, no Rube & recasting Daisy, big mistake. The character interaction, especially between Rube & Georgia is what made this so great.
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#112
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7/14/07 at 3:58pm
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Re: Dead Like Me cancelled

I doubt there was much choice in either case: Patinkin, though perhaps freed himself from Criminal Minds, probably has little interest in playing Rube again. And Laura Harris has been keeping herself suitably busy, and also probably didn't give the producers a choice.
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#113
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7/14/07 at 4:53pm
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Re: Dead Like Me cancelled

I've been thinking a bit more about this, and the loss of Rube, while very disappointing, is probably not as serious as I thought. George's relationship with Rube almost as a father-figure was essential to the show - but a lot of that was because she was still a new reaper, learning the ropes. She needed Rube to guide her. Now, she's got a few more years of experience, she doesn't need that father figure anymore. So it makes sense to get rid of Rube - either Rube just becomes "the guy that gives out the Post-Its" which would be a shame for the character, or we bring in a new head reaper who can bring new issues to the group (as it sounds like he will be doing, from the plot description).
AFI Top 100 lists:
100 Movies, 100 Thrills - Completed
100 Laughs - 24 to go - last seen: The Freshman
100 Passions - 39 to go - last seen: Breakfast At Tiffany's
100 Heroes & Villains - 10 to go - last seen: Tom Powers in The Public Enemy100 Songs - 44 to go - last seen: "When You Wish upon a Star"...
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#114
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7/14/07 at 7:31pm
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Re: Dead Like Me cancelled

Maybe they can get Patinkin to do a hand-off to the new head reaper as a cameo, like they have done on Dr. Who in the past.

I also wonder if they can pass off the new Daisy as a reversion to her true self because the last person who could have recognised her had died.
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#115
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7/15/07 at 6:52am
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Re: Dead Like Me cancelled

Part of the problem, though, is that I don't feel that Muth can carry the show, and truly, all the other characters are supporting players. Without Rube, it really comes down to the replacement taking over the show, and other than Doctor Who, that is not typically very successful.
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#116
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7/16/07 at 4:24am
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Re: Dead Like Me cancelled

Quote:
Part of the problem, though, is that I don't feel that Muth can carry the show, and truly, all the other characters are supporting players. Without Rube, it really comes down to the replacement taking over the show, and other than Doctor Who, that is not typically very successful.
I can understand that view. If you're not confident in Muth's ability, then that would be a problem. But I'm watching season 2 at the moment (we finally get it here in NZ), and Patinkin really is not in it that much. He's generally just in the waffle house scenes, occasionally stepping outside. Muth carries the reap scenes, her work scenes, with the family story really running by itself. She has a good cast supporting her, one being Patinkin, but also the other reapers, Christine Willes for the work scenes. But it is unmistakably Muth's show, and I personally think she handles that pressure well. My only real concern is that she apparently hasn't been acting, at least on screen, since the show ended 3 years ago.

Quote:
I also wonder if they can pass off the new Daisy as a reversion to her true self because the last person who could have recognised her had died.
That could work - except that we know we see George and Mason as they were, not as they are seen by everyone else. But it would explain why Daisy's reflection is exactly the same as we see her.
AFI Top 100 lists:
100 Movies, 100 Thrills - Completed
100 Laughs - 24 to go - last seen: The Freshman
100 Passions - 39 to go - last seen: Breakfast At Tiffany's
100 Heroes & Villains - 10 to go - last seen: Tom Powers in The Public Enemy100 Songs - 44 to go - last seen: "When You Wish upon a Star"...
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#117
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7/16/07 at 4:33am
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Re: Dead Like Me cancelled

Quote:
Originally Posted by MatthewLouwrens
I can understand that view. If you're not confident in Muth's ability, then that would be a problem. .... My only real concern is that she apparently hasn't been acting, at least on screen, since the show ended 3 years ago.
Indeed, and that speaks volumes, IMHO, no matter what the cause.
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#118
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7/21/07 at 8:33am
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Re: Dead Like Me cancelled

Apparently she's turned down some offers, so somebody must have confidence in her ability.
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#119
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7/21/07 at 3:51pm
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Re: Dead Like Me cancelled

didn't she have zero acting experience before the show? so why would anyone be worried about her acting? it probably won't change much from the series


"now, if that's a fact, tell me... am i lying?"

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#120
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7/21/07 at 3:58pm
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Re: Dead Like Me cancelled

From the IMDB:
"Her awards include Best Actress at the AFI for The Young Girl and the Monsoon (1999) and best supporting actress at the Japanese Film Festival for Dolores Claiborne (1995)."

I got the idea she wasn't working because she did not have to.

"No one would know us there."

-Far From Heaven- (2002)

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