AimingforYoko
Jun 3, 2008 @ 3:52 pm
Coming June 16th on
ABC Family.The story of how this got to television is almost as interesting as the show itself. Developed by Javier Grillo-Marxuach as television pilot, rejected, then made into a comic series by
Viper Comics, now a TV Series on ABC Family.
Here is the overview of the story from
Wiki:The Middleman's slogan is "fighting evil so you don't have to" and the character has been doing it for an unknown length of time. The Middleman is not just the incarnation in the current mini series; it is a job, a title, a persona that is handed down from Middleman to Middleman.[3] There are no written records of the Middlemen throughout history, only Ida holds the answers to the present day Middleman's predecessors.
Each Middleman receives information via Ida from O2STK. They carry out their orders in typical hero fashion and always save the day.
The current series follows hero-by-day artist by night Wendy Watson as she tries to balance her normal life of boyfriends, mothers, and roommates with her more surreal adventures with the Middleman. She is assumably training to become the next Middleman.
Thus far, the adventures of four Middlemen have been chronicled in the book and its supplements - Present Day Middleman, World War Two Middleman (and his doomed sidekick "The Middleboy"), Victorian Middleman and Barbarian Middleman, who operates in a quasi-Hyborean era.
All of the historic Middlemen (with the exception of Victorian Middleman) have female sidekicks who bear a peculiar resemblance to Wendy.
Obviously, tongue is planted firmly in cheek. Hopefully, that is the vibe that will come through in the series.
BTW, Javier was a writer and producer on the first two seasons of
Lost.
Last Time Lord
Jun 3, 2008 @ 4:50 pm
Sounds interesting. Can't wait to check it out.
kellykapowski
Jun 9, 2008 @ 3:56 pm
Yeah i accidentally started my own thread about this.. It looks fantastic, a perfect blend of comedy and action.. Theres a
promo posted on the website if you haven't see it yet, definitely a fun summer show..
BTW, Javier was also a producer on Medium..
wax lion
Jun 10, 2008 @ 7:09 pm
The first episode is up for free via iTunes.
workworkwork
Jun 11, 2008 @ 11:41 pm
I grabbed the free pilot episode from iTunes. I had my doubts at first because ABC Family has disappointed me in the past. ("Initiation of Sarah", for example. Okay, I watched that to see Summer Glau. But my point still stands!)
But I digress.
Overall I liked it, but didn't love it. There's a wry tongue-in-cheek sensibility that I like and the two leads, Matt Keesler as the Middleman and Natalie Morales as Wendy, work well together and their characters make an interesting team. The dialogue had several fun moments even in a dumb storyline about super-intelligent apes.
The overall look of the show is deliberately cheesy in a way that seems to work and the comic book shout-outs were delightful.
Wendy: (sarcastically) "Oh, no, it's Gorilla Grodd. Run for your lives."
I'm on the bubble with this one. I'll keep watching (or grabbing from iTunes) but they're still going to have to raise their game to hook me.
(My first spoiler-tagged post! Hooray!)
kellykapowski
Jun 12, 2008 @ 12:30 pm
I also watched the premier on iTunes and was definitely impressed.. Your right that the two leads work amazingly well together, their back and forth is really funny and smart..I think that this show could really make them into big stars
I agree with what your saying with the "deliberate cheesiness," it works well and the pop culture references are hilarious if you catch them
I'm definitely gonna keep watching, the pilot hooked me immediately and i'm interested to see what else the show is gonna offer
Ebongreen
Jun 12, 2008 @ 3:27 pm
Ummm... has promise. I was regularly amused, but the rapid-fire dialog & pop-culture stream-of-consciousness is going to make this a very very niche show.
All in all it's an even lighter-weight version of Chuck - which means I'm well disposed, but skeptical that I'll care enough to watch for the long-haul. Chuck has some depth and heft to it - I didn't get much of a sense of that here, and it's a requirement for my lasting attention.
Wyldemusick
Jun 13, 2008 @ 12:04 am
I think the outrageousness quotient has to be upped a bit, Natalie Morales needs to eat a couple of square meals (her skinny frame was distracting), and some of the guest cast needs to let their hair down more -- I adore Mary Lynn Rajskub, but she's capable of being so much funnier than she was here.
On the other hand, if "That's some darn fine cow squirt!" doesn't enter the common phrasebook, there ain't no justice.
If nothign else, Javi's happy enthusiasm will keep me watching.
workworkwork
Jun 13, 2008 @ 12:12 am
On the other hand, if "That's some darn fine cow squirt!" doesn't enter the common phrasebook, there ain't no justice.
True dat.
I have to admit the idea of interrogating a bad guy using a glass of milk was definitely one of the fun bits of this episode. If we can get more like that and get some decent villains, this could go on my watch list.
Last Time Lord
Jun 16, 2008 @ 2:07 pm
I adore Mary Lynn Rajskub
Thank you! I knew I knew her, but could not place her at all.
I really liked it. This could be a real fun show.
Ouroboros
Jun 16, 2008 @ 2:55 pm
I grabbed the pilot episode on itunes. It was...interesting. I'll probably keep watching because I liked the comic shout outs and pop culture references. The two leads (especially Wendy) had the rapid fire dialog that reminded me of the Gilmore Girls (which I loved) so I would keep watching for that alone. But I think this show has promise and I also know that most shows pilots are never perfect.
Hopefully the two leads will just keep on getting better.
ETA: I also hope Wendy starts training with that sensei Ping. I don't want her to become "the girl hostage" in every situation, either.
kellykapowski
Jun 16, 2008 @ 3:23 pm
Check out this
review from Variety, its very positive. I think i'm definitely gonna watch the premiere again tonight, i feel like i missed a lot of the pop culture references that they talk about in the review..
Also, i totally agree about the milk bit...
AimingforYoko
Jun 16, 2008 @ 8:05 pm
Okay, this was fun. The pop culture references were a-flyin and I liked it. My two favorites were the Gorilla Grodd namecheck and the ape quoting The Godfather II. It's funny that Wendy brought up Dudley Do-Right, because that's exactly what The Middleman is, a Navy SEAL, uber-competent Dudley Do-Right. Right down to the square jaw and the permanently pressed uniform.
Only complaint: Cut back a smidge on the fast-talking.
Ouroboros
Jun 16, 2008 @ 8:09 pm
It's funny that Wendy brought up Dudley Do-Right, because that's exactly what The Middleman is, a Navy SEAL, uber-competent Dudley Do-Right.
I know! I loved that scene. I also liked the whole swear/censored scene as well, the Middleman cracked me up with all his "jeepers" and "dagnabitt".
Oh and this show also reminds me of
Get Smart, the old tv show with Maxwell Smart and Agent 99.
bbell0363
Jun 16, 2008 @ 8:34 pm
So this is Men in Black meets the Avengers. Wendy is no Emma Peel. Then again Natalie Morales is no Diana Rigg. But she has potential. So I guess Wendy does.
Ankai
Jun 16, 2008 @ 8:41 pm
Though I am not sure whether I will be able to tolerate the quirks for many more episodes, I quite enjoyed the pilot. The cartoony and semi-dreamlike atmosphere kind of justified the detached style, smart alec lines, and the GG-speed pop-culture references.
trem
Jun 16, 2008 @ 8:57 pm
"If you join up I won't frame you for anything ever again."
I think I kind of love this show and I already know I kind of love Matt Keeslar. I actually didn't have a lot of hope for the show because pretty much anything with an actor I like will get cancelled in about five seconds but it's good so I'm happy. I like the dialogue and the Avengery bit when she first took the job and the chemistry of the Middleman and Wendy. I think that as time goes on Wendy will get less "Boy Hostage" and more of a badass. It's her first day after all.
"You almost killed my boyfriend."
"He's a doorknob."
I could quote this show all day.
Oh and this show also reminds me of Get Smart, the old tv show with Maxwell Smart and Agent 99.
I was thinking that the tone was very similar. Though I think the Middleman has a leg up in the brains department.
fay
Jun 17, 2008 @ 12:28 am
I actually really enjoyed it. Quick, funny, and just the right side of ridiculous. Of course, since I liked it, it will probably be canceled straight away, but still. The two main actors' dynamic was great. The deadpan tone really allowed for all of that maybe-a-little-too-smart dialogue.
"You almost killed my boyfriend."
"He's a doorknob."
Heh. I didn't catch that until I was cleaning the kitchen later and flipped on the repeat to see the bits I'd missed the first time around. I didn't expect to like the Middleman as much as I did--the cursing scenes were gold!
Gfunkorama
Jun 17, 2008 @ 1:34 am
Thought it was cute and fun. Liked the campy feel, will be recording the series, and am looking forward to the next episode.
alliterator
Jun 17, 2008 @ 1:57 am
I loved this. Of course, I read the comic book, so I knew everything that was going to happen, but it was still awesome. And I was amazed that they stayed so close to the comic's dialogue (of course, it helped that Javier Grillo-Marxuach wrote the comic and the episode). Of course, I'll have to wait and see if the next episode lives up to the pilot.
lilith1930
Jun 17, 2008 @ 8:54 am
I thought it was cute and fun, a nice distracting summer series. I don't know if it was Middleman's dialogue, or the deadpan way he said everything, but everything out of his mouth was gold. Nice to see MLR in something else, too. Wendy annoyed me, though.
My favorite line, "I'm very eligible....are you ashamed of me?"
supri
Jun 17, 2008 @ 9:31 am
This show is really fun, and I love the campy sets. Arty roommate painting fake blood or something on stuffed animals? Awesome.
It reminded me of a mix of Chuck and "MathNet" from SquareOne TV, and of course Men in Black. The fact that Mary Lynn Rajskub guest starred pretty much sold me on it, even more so. Matt Keeslar looked so familiar, and now I see he's in two of my favorite wacky movies - Waiting for Guffman and Psycho Beach Party (if you haven't, you should so see this).
Natalie Morales has awesome hair and seems to handle the quick'n'quirky dialogue well. She reminds me of Athena Karkanis from "The Best Years", only much less annoying.
I'll have to put this on the DVR schedule - the only problem is that it's on ABC Family, and I tend to forget this channel exists :/
AimingforYoko
Jun 17, 2008 @ 12:58 pm
the only problem is that it's on ABC Family, and I tend to forget this channel exists
Comcast just added the HD version of the channel in my area, so it worked out pretty well for me.
peeayebee
Jun 17, 2008 @ 1:26 pm
I enjoyed this too, mainly because of Matt Kesslar. He's perfect in the role.
I like fast dialog, but this may be too fast for me, close to that old FedEx commercial with the fast-talking guy. I hope they slow the actors down just a smidge.
I thought Wendy was kinda annoying, but somehow also likable. How'd that happen? Ida's pretty cool.
Random bits I liked:
- The back and forth in the restaurant where the gangsters were talking about how the head guy didn't order the hits.
- The Middleman holding the gun on the gorilla scientist and telling her not to do a monologue.
There were so many great lines, but I can't remember them. I'm sure lots went right by me.
TiffanyNichelle
Jun 17, 2008 @ 1:57 pm
I liked it. It was bad but really cute. And a female lead who likes comics and is cute but in a realistic way? Sign me up. I also loved the bleeping of the curse words.
I didn't know this was based on a comic. I might have to go check it out.
Senator X
Jun 17, 2008 @ 2:02 pm
I loved it for it's simple summer distractionness. It's like Psych for me. Plots that are paper thin but engaging characters and funny dialogue.
I liked Wendy a lot. Natalie Morales reminded me of both Amanda Peet and Rosario Dawson, if that's possible. I like The Middleman, he's great with his Pleasantville cleanliness.
Favorite parts:
The milk interrogation scene
"He's not gay, he's in film school."
I loved how the gorilla swung around the stripper pole while making his escape.
Liked the roommate and random guy in the hallway, hated the boyfriend.
peeayebee
Jun 17, 2008 @ 4:51 pm
I also loved how The Middleman "ran" down the alley after the gorilla.
Natalie Morales also reminds me of
Anna Chlumsky.
Tabbyclaw
Jun 17, 2008 @ 6:27 pm
It's got a little work to do, I think. Cute and funny and infinitely quoteable -- My favorite was "Did you skinny-dip in the stupidity pond?" -- but it hasn't figured out exactly how seriously it wants to take itself yet. (Note to show: The correct answer is "not very.") I'll definitely keep watching in the hopes that it finds its feet, though, because even imperfect it's still adorable.
mandigirl
Jun 18, 2008 @ 1:41 am
I'm shocked by how many people liked it. While I liked Matt Keesler a lot more than I thought I would, I thought the whole tone of the show was beyond obnoxious. The production value was also horrific-- several times the camera went in and out of focus like they got their dad to film it using the family camcorder. I know it's a comedy, and I know its supposed to be a 'zany' comedy, but that really doesn't mean that there should be no character development. We got character development with the Middleman guy and that's when I started to like him. We have absolutely no idea why Wendy didn't freak out the way a regular person would nor generally what her deal is. Maybe they'll work on that in the future, but right now, her lines, as delivered, were much more eye-roll worthy and quote worthy.
Maybe I'm missing something, and if so, I would love to know what it is because since all the new CW shows only cater to people who like to watch bitchy rich people and their 'problems' (tag- not it), ABC Family is pretty much my one stop shop for the kind of stuff that used to be on the WB and I loved. This isn't hacking it and I had such high hopes. There was a comic book?
AngelKitty
Jun 18, 2008 @ 7:55 am
Well I just thought that was adorable! Although perhaps a little too pop culture (Gorilla Grod?) for those of us over a certain age and I loved the clever dialogue once I turned on the closed captions because they talk a little fast. And yes the monsters were cheesy, but I watch Doctor Who and its spin-offs so I can deal with that.
I thought the boyfriend was going to turn out to be gay after all when he wouldn't kiss her back. And of course we all knew Wendy was going to hurt him once he complained about not having any pain.
Loved the Avengers shout out.
peeayebee
Jun 18, 2008 @ 10:03 am
I know I missed a lot of the pop culture references. (I am WAY over the age demographic.) But that didn't turn me off because there was so much else to enjoy.
And AngelKitty, I too thought was the boyfriend was gay.
mandigirl, I didn't notice the focus changing, but as for the character development issue, I'm sure that keeps with the comic book tone. (As I said before, I'm not a comic book reader.) I see Wendy as not freaking out because she has the crime-fighting gene, and Middleman recognized that. The look and tone are very much like the Batman series. No character development there, unless you consider Batman falling for Catwoman to be that. So, if you don't like that sort of stuff, then I can't see enjoying this show. I like the silliness, the dialogue, and the actors, particularly Kesslar who, IMO, makes the show.
LaGinger
Jun 18, 2008 @ 1:46 pm
I did enjoy the first episode, but I am concerned about Wendy's character development as well. Though it made perfect sense why she did not react to the monsters, I'm worried that some of her actions will merely be for the sake of the plot. From what I saw of Wendy's character during the pilot, it made no sense for her to take the boyfriend back. She seemed to be a no nonsense artist type that does not take a lot of crap and she did not seem that crazy about the boyfriend in the first place, so it seemed like she took him back to merely allow the Middleman to say some funny lines. While most of the show is good, if Wendy's actions don't make sense in the context of her character soon and only serve to further develop the Middleman, it will become annoying. However, I think right now Wendy has the potential to be a well-written, different character than most female TV protagonists. Also I enjoyed most of the supporting characters as well, I hope the roommate and the guy in the hall stick around, though Wendy can redump the boyfriend anytime now.
Ouroboros
Jun 18, 2008 @ 9:20 pm
She seemed to be a no nonsense artist type that does not take a lot of crap and she did not seem that crazy about the boyfriend in the first place, so it seemed like she took him back to merely allow the Middleman to say some funny lines.
I agree that bothered me as well. Although I have to admit I did like seeing her smack him around again.
Mongi
Jun 18, 2008 @ 11:35 pm
I would have preferred a Monsieur Mallah shout out, but Gorilla Grodd'll do. TV has been missing this particular type of comic book mayhem for me. That whole Heroes, 'I've never read a comic book before, I swear' thing wears kind of thin after awhile so it's nice to see a show that pays tribute to its past. Maybe a few too many references for one episode, but I imagine that's the sort of thing that'll taper off some in the future. Though I love Wendy's Robin the Boy Hostage complex.
The leads are very likeable too and some of those one liners were very funny. It could be better, but even if it never eclipses this episode it's good, lighthearted fun and I'll keep watching.
Speaker815
Jun 19, 2008 @ 10:43 am
I wouldn't worry too much about Wendy's character development - it's HER story. :) Plus - In the comics she DOES get trained by Sensei Ping, and that arc is going to be aired 3rd. She's definitely not Robin the Boy Hostage in THAT story!
Ben WAS a tool - but he came off a lot more... malicious in the show than he did in the comic. In the comic he kinda came off as a doof with poor social skills who made mistakes constantly, but with room to grow. TV Ben came off as sleazy. But - I haven't seen Stephen Sowan in any spoilers for at least the next 8 episodes (except for 1002 - which is airing fourth - where it mentions the aftermath of Wendy and Ben's breakup!) so I'm guessing he's GONE after the pilot!
Anyway, can't wait for more eps!
Aunty Mib
Jun 19, 2008 @ 1:24 pm
...but as for the character development issue, I'm sure that keeps with the comic book tone. (As I said before, I'm not a comic book reader.)
As a voracious reader of comic books I'm expecting the characters to get more fleshed out. Both of the main characters are moving into unknown roles: the Middleman is going to become a mentor and will start planning for his end as the Middleman. The Girl Hostage is going to have to develop some actual accomplishments and real self-respect from the fairly brittle person she was at the beginning of the first episode.
spookygrinder
Jun 19, 2008 @ 1:53 pm
Anyway, can't wait for more eps!
Speaker you rock. Thanks for all the support.
Art Crawl!
alliterator
Jun 19, 2008 @ 2:24 pm
Oh, I forgot one of my favorite bits of dialogue: when they come across the gorilla painting a landscape, Wendy says, "Not bad for a neo-classicist," to which the mad scientist says, "Art snob."
Wyldemusick
Jun 19, 2008 @ 2:35 pm
I was wondering if that was Javi a couple of messages back, but I suspect not -- caps in use!
Speaker815
Jun 19, 2008 @ 3:21 pm
LMAO, Wyldemusick.
If you meant me - no, not Javi - but I am JAVIminion numero uno!
Right now I'm trying to figure out who spookygrinder is - you're welcome, btw!
Wyldemusick
Jun 19, 2008 @ 3:50 pm
Actually, it was spookygrinder I was thinking of.
ksm
Jun 19, 2008 @ 5:06 pm
I really enjoyed the pilot and will definitely keep watching.
She seemed to be a no nonsense artist type that does not take a lot of crap and she did not seem that crazy about the boyfriend in the first place, so it seemed like she took him back to merely allow the Middleman to say some funny lines.
I agree that bothered me as well. Although I have to admit I did like seeing her smack him around again.
It bothered me a little too. I liked how when he broke up with her she called him on the absurdity of what he was saying and attacked him instead of bursting into tears or something. Her taking him back after that seemed out of character, but then we haven't known her for too long and they had been together for a year before that. Maybe future episodes will explain things better. Is she with him because it's better than nothing? Or does she care more about him than she lets on?
Speaker815
Jun 19, 2008 @ 6:47 pm
spookygrinder - I now officially get "ART CRAWL!" but still have no idea who you are.
LMAO
wyldemusik - Hmm, perhaps - the caps may be a red herring... or perhaps a peruvian trout.
Wyldemusick
Jun 19, 2008 @ 7:06 pm
Speaker815 -- you're saying there's something fishy about this?! spookygrinder could be a piker....
There's also the point that TWoP regs insist on proper punctuation and capitalization.
Speaker815
Jun 19, 2008 @ 7:36 pm
Speaker815 -- you're saying there's something fishy about this?! spookygrinder could be a piker....
There's also the point that TWoP regs insist on proper punctuation and capitalization.
Exactly! That's actually what I meant - got my fish mixed up.
And is that so? Crud - I better look around and learn the rules before I get too addicted to this place and break some rules by accident.
I'm probably already way too off topic.
M N Drew
Jun 19, 2008 @ 8:25 pm
I do think I'm going to be liking this show quite much. My first impression of the Middleman character is that someone took the Mounty from "Due South" and whacked him upside the head with a clue-bat.
mandigirl
Jun 19, 2008 @ 11:22 pm
So, if you don't like that sort of stuff, then I can't see enjoying this show. I like the silliness, the dialogue, and the actors, particularly Kesslar who, IMO, makes the show.
peeayebee you're probably right (about me not liking this show and about Keesler who was great). I don't mind silliness. I love shows like Scrubs for example that are completely wacky. But I like some sort of character development in order to enjoy the show-- just so I know where they're coming from. Also, I thought the dialog was too self-conscious and didn't come off as naturally as say, Gilmore Girls, but that could improve. Basically, I'll give it another chance. I'm certainly not one of those people who watch shows just to bitch about them so if next week I'm not feeling it I'll be moving along.
spookygrinder
Jun 20, 2008 @ 12:12 am
WyldeM - tell me what a piker is and I'll tell you if I am one.
Speaker - Do you want to figure out who I am or do you want me to tell you?
Speaker815
Jun 20, 2008 @ 12:25 am
Speaker - Do you want to figure out who I am or do you want me to tell you?
I'm cool with either - as long as I get HINTS to figure it out, because right now I've got it narrowed down to about 10 different people and I don't want to just throw out guesses. :)
ON second thought -
Nevermind, sir - I figured it out with a bit of Google and luck. I bow to you, sir, as yours is my favorite thus far.
I feel bad for Jordo having to follow that one. ;)
And I hope I'm being enigmatic enough....
ART CRAWL!
spookygrinder
Jun 20, 2008 @ 12:41 am
I feel bad for Jordo having to follow that one.
Don't feel bad for him, feel bad for me - because once his episode airs I will instantly be forgotten. Ten stars!
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please
click here.