Legend of the Seeker Fans Choosing New Battlefields to save Their ShowComments Off
The Fall 2010 TV season has been chosen and Legend of the Seeker failed to be included in the next viewing season. Legend of the Seeker fans, angered at the show’s failure, have ravaged the online world, the networks, and print media to express their support for the Seeker. Though it is based in New Zealand Legend of the Seeker is managed by ABC Studios, owned by the Disney Company. Fans of the show have beset executives at Disney with emails and ad tear sheets arguing that LOTS be given a third season. Regardless of vigorous protesting there seems to be small chance for the show.
Still, there remains a little hope. Acording to Websites such as thia Legend of the Seeker fan Site, the actors have not yet been released to pursue other projects. The New Zealand set is going through upgrades and extension. It might be challenging to manage a third season there in the near term. And at least some distributors have indicated an interest in negotiating for the show if Seeker is up for grabs. But what is the hold up? Fans say that discussions are going on with ABC Studios. And yet all news sites following the story say no negotiations are in process. LOTS truly has been cancelled.
Despite the tension between rumors and the media Legend of the Seeker has inspired a prodigious movement of protest. Legend of the Seeker’s devotees have made themselves known on Twitter, on blogs reporting rumors regarding the show, in postcards, in email, and in magazine ads. Seeker fans have even obtained four weeks’ block of display advertising at a bus stop across from ABC Studios in Burbank. However the most far-reaching activities up to this time may be campaigns to make cooperative movies and putting cast members on fake covers of Time, Forbes, et. al.. Determined fans assemble on sites like this Legend of the Seeker fan community to discuss new actions.
Starting with a proposal to nominate Seeker principal Craig Horner for Time Person of the Year, the mock cover campaign increased its pace as fans began putting other Seeker actors on sample covers for Cosmo, Vogue, and Elle. Even Craig Parker, who plays the lead miscreant, came out on a fan-made cover of Forbes Magazine. Some faux fronts employ light-hearted fun but the meaning is honest. Seeker fans want to see Legend of the Seeker continue in production. The 3rd season is desired but a mini-series may appease the craving.
What hope is there to restore a terminated TV series like the Seeker? The fandom for Chuck rallied around the series and brought about a new season for it. And yet with considerable support, why does the Seeker not find a new home? Legend of the Seeker’s adult motifs of violence and torture may be too restrictive for ABC’s non-syndicated programming. The syndication market foundered at the time Tribune chose to pursue cheaper material. However a recent glimmer of hope developed at the CW 2010 Upfront with advertisers: they bought shared pricing for online viewings of shows. The syndication television market may be ready to move to the Internet.