Co-Executive Producer/Writer to Answer your Questions!

[LisaM]

Big News for "Birds" Fans: Writer/Producer Hans Tobeason, Co-Executive Producer on "Birds of Prey", has graciously agreed to answer your questions. All questions for Mr. Tobeason should be submitted to webmaster@birdsofpreyonline.com by June 15. (Please do not post questions here.)

Don't miss this unique opportunity to have your questions about BoP answered directly by one of the show's main creative contributors!

We will post Mr. Tobeason's responses on the Forum at one time.

FYI, Hans Tobeason was responsible for the story for "Sins of the Mother" and wrote "Devil's Eyes" in addition to his duties as co-executive producer.

[Reese'Girl]

this is cool! now all I gotta do is think of a question.

[o.Oracle.o]

Major coolness, thanks!

[StoyBoy720]

Okay, just sent in a bunch of questions. Thanks!

[BopRockMyWorld]

alright thanks :D

[DrayvensCrow]

I'll send them in!:D Thanks, MB!

[jrosesimba]

wow what brought this on ,excellent!!!

[LisaM]

Pretty cool, huh?!

[StoyBoy720]

This is awesome. Lisa, you are awesome.

[Jesse321]

Lisa .. you guys are THE BEST !!!

[LisaM]

I'm expecting to see lots of very interesting, innovative questions posed to Mr. Tobeason. This is our big chance to get the answers to the questions we have been asking each other since the beginning of the series.

Why metahumans?
Why no appearance by the Batman villains?
Why did they do that???
Etc....

All the things that we questioned and "guessed" answers for...we now have a chance to have answered properly.

[GL2814]

I can tell you why metahumans, that's what they're called in the comics. It doesn't sound as insulting as mutants does.

[GoldFlyingMouse]

LisaM

That sounds fabulous !:angel:

Are all questions submited gareented to be answered ?

[Derek Quinzel]

LisaM, that sounds great!

~DQ DONE~

[LisaM]

Hi Mouse: I can guarantee that all questions which are sent to me at the webmaster address will be submitted to Hans. Since Hans is the one who is going to be answering the questions, he can choose which ones to answer. This is an agreement which I made with him upfront.

[Jesse321]

Thanks for the heads up Lisa ... I just emailed sent you a list of questions that pretty much sum up my opints of contension with the show ... I'm sure that you will likely get some of them repeated in several different variations ... it will be interesting to see how Hans will answer them.

[AshDinaRachLvr]

I sent off two questions I've been DYING to know the answers to!

[the_watcher]

Hi Lisa, guess the best question to ask is why don't they bring it back.
That's the VIP question.

[LisaM]

The_Watcher: Hans Tobeason is not with The WB...He doesn't have the power to bring it back...I am sure that he would love to see the show back on the air.

[Kea]

So are you going to edit some of the questions then? I'm just asking because looking at the list of questions I have so far I just feel like I'm asking some things he might not know. (Or some really out there ones!)

[LisaM]

Nope...My agreement with Hans is that I will forward all of the questions to him and he will decide which questions he feels comfortable answering.

Since he was one of the creative forces behind the show, you might want to pose questions dealing with (i) specific choices which the writers/producers made; (ii) character issues; (iii) plot issues; (iv) set design issues, etc...

During the season, I constantly heard comments such as "why did they make the characters do this?" or "why didn't Oracle get more screen time?" These are the kinds of questions which I would like for Hans to answer.

[Caped_Crusader]

HEY LISA YOU R THE BEST!!!!!!!!
(calm down calm down take a deep breath) rite first of all i jus sent sum questions and i wanted 2 kno how will we know if he answered our questions im sure the questions ive asked will b asked by 100's of other BOPPERS so i wanted 2 kno if he will direct it at the person who asked the question! (hope i haven't confused u!!)

Last of all THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!!!! (soz i kno caps is shoutin lang. on the internet but i can't help it)

[Sxygrrl Huntress]

I'm taking a guess that all questions will be gathered and since there are sure to be many of the same questions asked, it would be difficult for all of them to be directed at one member specifically. Think of this like a questionnaire.

This is great that he is willing to do this and I hope we get some informative answers to all the questions we've been wondering about for months.

[Kea]

Thanks Lisa. My questions have been along those lines!

But I think I can ditch the 'why am I at the bank looking at an ugly picture instead of watching a fun ep of Bop!' ;)
Long day thanks!

[DrayvensCrow]

Lisa? Where will we be able to read his responses?

(P.S.- I will be down for a little while, so I won't be able to respond quickly)

[LisaM]

I am about to forward the questions to Hans. The questions which he selects to answer - and his answers - will be posted both in a thread in the Forum and on the front page of the website.

Because of our busy schedules (both his and mine), I suspect that we will have some lag time before the Q&As are posted. I heard from Hans the other day and he is thrilled with the fans' response and is eager to read all of the questions.

[Kea]

That sounds cool. So how many pages of questions do you think we came up with? (I am suddenly picturing a very large book!)

[LisaM]

I'll let you know after I forward each of them to him. Some people sent in one or two questions while others sent in 10 questions at a time.

[DrayvensCrow]

Thanks, Lisa! Saving the day again!:D

[LisaM]

Thanks to everyone who submitted questions for Hans. I emailed 19 pages of questions (in small typeface) to him tonight. As soon as I receive all of the answers, we will post the questions and answers.

[AshDinaRachLvr]

Coooooooooooooooooool!!!!! :D

[StoyBoy720]

Will they be posted on this thread, a different thread, or maybe even a page on the main site?

[LisaM]

I'm not sure yet...I think that the questions and answers will be posted in a separate thread here in the Gazette AND also on the Front Page. Since we received so many questions, I am sure that the thread will be quite lengthy.

[Frostbite]

Originally posted by LisaM
Since we received so many questions, I am sure that the thread will be quite lengthy.
But don't you have a bandwith problem? And wouldn't that just add to it?

[LisaM]

Is that sarcasm, FB? The bandwidth is to be used for BoP-related items. Certainly responses from the co-executive producer/writer would qualify.

[Frostbite]

No, it's not sarcasm. I'm just wondering why, if you have a problem with excessive posting, you would put something in two different places.

[LisaM]

So long as we control the spam, we don't have a bandwidth problem.

The site was created for info about BoP. Since we want as many people as possible (Forum members and non-Forum members) to see the questions and answers, it makes sense to post them in two places. Many of the questions which we received were not from Forum members but rather, were from people who either saw the news item on the front page or were alerted by emails which we sent to various BoP message boards and mailing lists. Since some Forum members don't check the front page, we will provide the answers in a thread here, too.

Frankly, even if this created a bandwidth problem and cost more money, I wouldn't care since it is BoP-related. I only get annoyed when extra bandwidth is caused by spam.

[LisaM]

I have an update as to when the responses from Hans will be posted. Since Hans has already started to answer questions, I think that I will begin a new thread tomorrow in which I will post Hans' responses as I receive them. I think that it will be more interesting for fans if they can read several questions and answers every few days as opposed to reading all of them at once. There will also be a link to the Forum from the Front Page of the website.

[Sxygrrl Huntress]

Those are great ideas Lisa! :) ;)

[jaguarin]

Oh... cooll, thanks for the info Lisa! :p

[Batman'sCOUSIN]

YES!YES!YES!YES!YES!YES! I cant wait!!!!!

[LisaM]

Thanks SGH...it's always good when you agree with me.

[Reese'Girl]

That's a good idea, thanks Lisa! :)

[Batman'sCOUSIN]

well, i just read two of the answers that the co- producer answered for us and they were not good. one said " is there any chance that bop will come back." he said no, but miracles can happen.:rolleyes:
another one i remember was " is there a possibility that bop will come out on dvd?" he said he had no clue. tollin, him, and the wb has'nt heard anything yet :weep:

i need some SevenSlave therapy. is there really any point of going on????? :tear:

[Gothic Knight]

:weep: :tear: :weep: :tear: :fume: :weep: :tear:

[jaguarin]

Well, we knew since the begining that this isn't easy ant that we are swiming against a storm... so, just keep swiming friends... We want to do the impossible.... :p

[AshDinaRachLvr]

Originally posted by Batman'sCOUSIN


i need some SevenSlave therapy. is there really any point of going on????? :tear: YES YES YES YES YES AND YES!!!!!!!! Keep on going!!!! He said he was amazed at the interest in BOP still. Keep that interest up. If they know that the interest will never die down, then they may decide it's worth it to give it another chance.

[jaguarin]

And he was so happy when saw our answer to his offer to answer our questions... he saw us... He now knows that are a lot of BOP fans... :D

keep fighting, keep fighting, keep fighting, keep fighting, keep fighting, keep fighting, keep fighting, keep fighting, keep fighting, keep fighting, keep fighting, keep fighting, keep fighting, keep fighting, keep fighting, keep fighting....

[MUZBNUTS]

Never give up! Never Surrender! There is always hope...if not for a new season, then a DVD set, books, or TV mini-series specials!! BOP fans do not throw in the towel easily!

[DOCMIDNITE]

WOW, well the answers to the first few questions were definitely not what we all wanted to hear.:eek: But do not get disheartened just yet fellow Boppers. What interested me most was the quote that Mr. T stated he was amazed at the interest that the show still produces. This above all should pick us up by the belt and shake us a bit. WE Are making a difference, OUR cause is being heard, and BOP will be back in some shape or form.
Just wait till the Goodie baskets arrive at their locations. Slowly but surely we have to peck away at the PTB. Like a bad case of "Poison Ivy" that just wont go away.

As the Lovely Seven has been stating all along a show like "Sliders" took over a year to get back on the air (Sci-Fi). And in my opinion it was worth the wait.
All I can tell you my partners in crime is keep plugging away. Every little bit helps whether you think so or not.
Recently I gave out a smaller version of the original flyer I made from the BOP mock comic from the site, at the Sci-Fi Fantasy Creators Convention in New York. I know some probably went in the trash, but I also saw people putting them in their "goodie bags". My local Comic shop has agreed to keep some of the flyers on the counter also. This is a No Brainer and cheap and easy thing to do.

Just want to give a big Thank you to Jaguarin and the rest who have started the BOP website in Spanish for our people in Latin America. I think we just went Bi-Lingual..
;)
We are far from DEAD......We will Prevail.....

[BopRockMyWorld]

yeah i guess you guys are right :( lets keep fighting :)

[Kea]

All I know is you guy are the best Bop fans around. OK group hug! :) And that's right...we don't give up no matter what!

[Lady Ribena]

yes bop fans and xena fans rock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jrosesimba]

yah i feel the love right now,it makes me miss bop even more and my hopes are high thanks guys...

[Sxygrrl Huntress]

Gotta say thanks again to Hans for taking the time in answering all of our questions about Birds of Prey and a big thanks to Lisa for typing them all out and putting them on the board.

They are a fascinating read! :)

[AshDinaRachLvr]

HAHA! I knew they were gonna bring back Canary!!!!!!! God, that would have been great!!!! AND HAVING HELENA KILL WADE!!!! :eek: That would have been an AWESOME idea to carry out!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Frostbite]

Originally posted by AshDinaRachLvr
That would have been an AWESOME idea to carry out!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's also kind of subtexty.

[Reese'Girl]

That would have been great if they brought back Black Canary! And having Dinah decide whether or not she wanted to stay with the birds. :eek: Wow!

[LisaM]

I was really shocked to read that TPTB were considering writing off Dinah, particularly since I thought that her character's age was purposefully lowered to appeal to The WB's teen fans.

I asked Hans a follow-up question about this topic and he expands on his previous answer in the next set of questions/answers, which will be posted in a few days.

Stay tuned.

[Reese'Girl]

Thanks Lisa. It will be interesting to know the reason as to why they would consider writing off Dinah.

[Kea]

Interesting about BC, like many of us had speculated. But I find it very interesting that they might have written Dinah out. Wow. I can't wait to read more about that. (I guess it would have just been Helena and Barbara.)

...particularly since I thought that her (Dinah) character's age was purposefully lowered to appeal to The WB's teen fans. -LisaSo how old do you think they wanted to write her before they settled on 16?

I also found the idea interesting that they had Helena kill Wade at first (in the last ep). I have to say it but I WANT to read/see those story lines! Thanks again Lisa.

Also Gold Flying Mouse great questions (it puts my questions to shame really!)!
Though now I'm a little more sad that we didn't get a full season...But now I'm more determined then ever that we get this show back!

[kryptonite785]

I would have written her out too. She was an extra character that had the same deal as Wade. The meat of the show was between Huntress (don't we know it :)) and Oracle. I dont know, but I imagine it was getting hard making up new material for Dinah.

[AshDinaRachLvr]

I think writing Dinah out of the show would have been a good thing. Then Lori Laughlin could have come in and been THE REAL Black Canary as a series regular. THAT would have been cool. Lori rocked in Sins of the Mother!!!!!!!!

[Ivy]

Okay, maybe my blurry eyes missed something, but I didn't see a "write Dinah out, muhahaha!" I saw a "have Dinah decide if this is where she really belongs" kind of deal.

Which are two completely different stories. One involves sending her off [for good, possibly], the other gives Rachel a break OR gives her an arc of her own. [if they followed her when she left]

That said, I join the small legion of fans who would have enjoyed seeing/reading Helena taking Wade out of the picture. Of course, I kinda liked Wade, but wow. Talk about the emotional sucker punch.

[GoldFlyingMouse]

... Somehow I get the feeling that he may be watching us. :eek:

Originally posted by AshDinaRachLvr
HAHA! I knew they were gonna bring back Canary!!!

AND HAVING HELENA KILL WADE!!!! :eek: That would have been an AWESOME idea to carry out!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes indeedy ! :D Sometimes I like to ask questions if only to prove that on some level I already knew the answers for them ! A little confermation goes along way !

Originally posted by Kea

Also Gold Flying Mouse great questions (it puts my questions to shame really!)!
Though now I'm a little more sad that we didn't get a full season...But now I'm more determined then ever that we get this show back!

Thank you Kea. I am so happy my questions were answered. I was so worried that they may be overlooked or lost somewhere in cyber space:angel:

I actually forgot one. I forgot to ask Hans ...

Which other 'BIG BAD's' the writers had in mind for future seasons to replace Harley. It seemed like each season would have one main super villian & probably end with that enemy's downfall thus I was wondering who else they had in mind for the others that could have been, after the Harley threat was taken care of(provided she was completly taken care of) ?



^^Hans has already mentioned that Catwoman would be out of the question. Therefore this would be interesting to know especially since they may have been prohibited from using other major enemys such as Poison Ivy. Perhaps Harley would have even been in future seasons. Both Harley & Shiva were captured but it doesn't seem like it would be an easy task finding a prison for criminals who know the secret identity of our 3 heros. It would be neat to know if the writers even had the freedom to think that far ahead. I wonder if we could add this as follow-up question aswell ?

[Kea]

Ivy well put. Also would Dinah have been gone for good or come back later on. Would she have left because her mother came back, or did she really hurt Helena or Barbara and decided to leave or some other issue is another possibility. (You see this show makes you really think!!!!)

Still I always felt Reese's roll should have been reduced and Dinah's should have been increased but well moving on.

That said, I join the small legion of fans who would have enjoyed seeing/reading Helena taking Wade out of the picture. Of course, I kinda liked Wade, but wow. Talk about the emotional sucker punch.-Ivy Talk about you killer emotional roller coaster ride there!!!! Helena would have been under Harley's control with no memory of it. Would they have told her? Or might she have heard if from Harley or seen it on tape.
How would Helena face Barbara or vice versa. How would they deal? Would Helena leave for a while and come back. (kind of like the Buffy S2/S3 arc) Oh the possibilities would have been endless!!!!

Also GoldFlyingMouse the questions just keep on coming don't they!!! :)

[GoldFlyingMouse]

Originally posted by Kea

Also GoldFlyingMouse the questions just keep on coming don't they!!! :)

They kinda do !

New question

>It would be interesting to know what inspired the idea to have the clocktower as the base for our heros ?

Hine sight is always 20/20:p

Na ofcourse even my questions have there limits & I am sure Hans wouldn't mind a break :D LOL :D ! :angel:

[Frostbite]

I don't think he'll be able to answer that one, GFM, as the Clocktower was the base in the comics, and that's where they got it from.

[GoldFlyingMouse]

Originally posted by Frostbite
I don't think he'll be able to answer that one, GFM, as the Clocktower was the base in the comics, and that's where they got it from.

I know I was actually just kidding with that one Frostbite, kinda teasing Kea ! :D

[Frostbite]

I feel so stupid sometimes... :(

[Kea]

>It would be interesting to know what inspired the idea to have the clocktower as the base for our heros ?- GoldFlyingMouse
LOL Easy answer. Senior superhero chooses the lair! :D NExt one please! ;)

[Reese'Girl]

Quote:
______________________________

Even with the cuts that were made in production, that's the kind of fun, emotion, and action BOP could, at its best, deliver. Too bad... (And, by the way, that's me getting fried by the mad scientist in the opening scene.)
_______________________________

That makes me even sadder. :( Seeying BoP's potential was nice but why did it have to end??? :tear: I didn't know that was him getting fried! LOL! :D

[Frostbite]

For one obvious example, how was she supposed to "tag along" with Huntress out on sweep? Dinah couldn't hop from roof to roof like Huntress. So, how was she going to keep up? We actually discussed several crazy ideas like allowing her "powers" to mature to the point that she discovers she can teleport. Uh huh. Teleport. Another crazy idea was to allow her to transmute into a bird - an eagle, or something.
I always thought she just climbed onto Helena's back. I'm glad the show didn't go into the second season if Dinah was going to turn into an eagle.

[LisaM]

I guess that nobody thought of Dinah simply taking the Hummer and driving to meet Huntress at the correct location.

[Jacklyn]

Yeah, but the fanfic writers could come up with it? Turning Dinah into an eagle is silly...the writers of this show could have learned alot from the fanfic writers here if they'd been given the chance...

[SamIAm]

I'm not sure why it would have been necessary to turn Dinah into a Huntress clone. She had her own strengths to contribute to the team, and her character could have been absolutely fascinating, given the right treatment. It seems to me that a good possibility could have been to develop her role completely differently than that of Huntress, and then use the differences in teamwork. Some tasks are more geared toward Huntress' strengths, some geared toward Dinah's. You want variety and diversity on a team--that's what makes a good team.

Dinah's character could also have been a good (tool?--not the word I'm looking for) to draw out aspects of the characters of the other team members...Babs' maternal side, Huntress learning to work interdependently, perhaps Huntress learning to take on a mentoring role, coached by Barbara...the possibilities were just enormous. Not to mention, there were all sorts of fascinating story-line possibilities with the kid, herself, considering her background, possible issues in trusting adult caregivers...

And, besides...the frustration of not being able to contribute what Helena could would lend itself to all sorts of fascinating story lines in learning to work within your own strengths...contribute your own way...

It wouldn't have been necessary to turn her into an eagle.

[Lady Ribena]

or they could have given dina a helipcopter to ride around the city in that would be cool


lol frostbite yea huntress could give dinah a pigy back while she jumps over the rooftops

[Kea]

I guess that nobody thought of Dinah simply taking the Hummer and driving to meet Huntress at the correct location.-Lisa
LOL I was thinking the same thing when I read that Lisa! You see fans come up with good ideas as well!!!

You could have Dinah patrolling the streets via Hummer and Huntress on the roof tops! Works for me.
I have to laugh when I read about them maybe making Dinah teleport or turing into an eagle (????). I reread that one just to make sure that was what I had actually read! (SamIAm well said!)

(And, by the way, that's me getting fried by the mad scientist in the opening scene.)
I was wondering who that was!

...if it were done the way it should have been done. Does or did he ever say what he wanted or what should have been? (Or did I miss that answer somewhere?) Thanks.

It's a shame about all the legal conflicts they seemed to have had. (I'm having a sudden flashback to all the onstar commercials for some reason!)

[lozonofski]

Here's a thought.
If Dinah could "levitate" those baddies in Devil's Eyes, why couldn't she develop her power so she could "levitate" herself?
(I can't think of a better word than levitate but you know what I mean)
Then she could easily keep up with huntress on those rooftops....
I actually thought this was where her powers were heading.

Oh and well said Sam.

[Frostbite]

Yeah, that's how the current Superboy flies; telekinesis.

[lozonofski]

I did not know that.
Forgive my ignorance, but why does Superboy need telekenesis to fly?
Is he not from Krypton?

[Frostbite]

As you can see, I said the current Superboy. Yes, the most commonly known Superboy is just young Superman, who is from Krypton and gains superpowers under a yellow sun. But!, the current Superboy is not young Superman; he was created in a lab by scientists. His only power is telekinesis, which gives him super strength, and the ability to fly.

[lozonofski]

Cool.
Thanks for clearing that up.
I'm not really a supes fan but your response had me intrigued.

[AshDinaRachLvr]

Originally posted by Frostbite
I always thought she just climbed onto Helena's back. I'm glad the show didn't go into the second season if Dinah was going to turn into an eagle. I honestly don't think it's that bad of an idea. I REALLY like the teleporting idea, but the eagle, or raven thing could have been cool if done properly.

[Batman'sCOUSIN]

Teloporting................ NO!!!

Eagle.....................MAYBE, but thats totally to much power for a teenage girl for me

Hummer(car)..............YES!!! But I think the car would have too look, y'know, kinda styleish. Kinda like a mini bat moblie exept with more of a bird look then bat look.

Levitaion.............. EXELLENT IDEA!!!!! I was thinking the exact same thing. Jean on X men could fly and she had telekineses. That out of every other would be the most sinceable one to go with.

Piggy back ride on Huntress............ well???? maybe if she uses one hand to climb the walls and the other to hold Dinahs hand then maybe. Like if the were just there and the villian quickly climed up the wall, then I can see Huntress grabbing dinah's hand. So, yea maybe not such a bad idea.

But wait, they never told us how Dinah got to the scene with Huntress in the first scene of Gladitrix did they? They fought side by side on that episode.

[Kea]

To levitate herself there you go (I was thinking of that as well lozonofski)
Or have Barbara give them both tiny camera's to see everything!

I'm still not seeing the Dinah turning into a bird. Don't see it! So what she can pick up Helena and save her when they get into trouble? Kidding!!!

Two words: Fan consultants! :D

But wait, they never told us how Dinah got to the scene with Huntress in the first scene of Gladitrix did they? They fought side by side on that episode.- Batman'sCOUSIN I think they were walking together! You see walking another possibility!

But couldn't Dinah just use those grappling hooks that they always used in the Batman movies? I mean what did Barbara use in her Batgirl days?

Also maybe instead of a Hummer give Dinah a motorcycle. There was one in the first ep and I guess Helena still has the one she got from the animal gang.

They could have some nice dialog like this:

Helena has finished beating up the bad guys. Dinah pulls up in the Hummer.
"What took you so long kid?"
"I got held up!"
"Why?"
Dinah hands her the ticket. "Because apparently the NGPD don't like it if you are going 85 in a 40 MPH zone in a hummer."
Well you get the idea.


I'm still shocked that they were thinking about getting rid of Dinah. I see it this way.
-Dinah leaving back to Opal MO---No!
-Dinah leaving with the her mother Black Canary---Maybe. I could see it.
-Dinah leaving because something terrible happened---maybe.
-Dinah sacrificing her life for the team---not going there.
-Dinah losing her powers because of some reason I have not thought and having to deal with it...---Ok so I think to much about this show. Can you blame me! :)
-Dinah staying with the team----oh yeah!


You know I was thinking of this today. Do you think they had a hard time writing for Dinah because Reese took up a lot of that time with Helena?
(Honestly I'd rather have Wade and Reese leave then break up the team!) I like Dinah.

[lozonofski]

I know what you mean.
I often think that I don't like Dinah's character, (that she should be older and resemble the REAL Black Canary more) but when I see her on screen I like her and despite the lack of a good story for her she fits in well with the team.
I guess the real reason she gets on my nerves is simply her name.
Why couldn't they call her something like Madison Lance, daughter of Dinah Lance.
Make her a brand new character rather than change an already exsisting one.
Anyway my point is I do like the young hero aspect and if she was written out we would all miss her.
Anyway I guess we will never know....

[Batman'sCOUSIN]

Kea, love your motercycle scene u just made up. Hilarious!!!!!!!!lololololo!!!!!!!!

About the grapler thing, it was even said in a answer from Hans that they were only allowed to use a certain amount of equiptment used in recent Batman movies. I guess that meant the weapons along with the costume. I'm mean, you see what they did on the show with the batarang. They turned it into a bird shaped thing and left its name. Y'know I never understood that! Why did they call it a batarang if it was a shape of a bird?

[Kea]

LOL glad you liked the little joke Batman'sCOUSIN!

Well if not being able to used a grappling hook (couldn't they change the design?) how about just plan old rope! That way you get Dinah trying to learn how to lasso a building top! :D You'd get a few jokes out of it as well!

[LisaM]

FYI...I have several additional sets of questions and answers from Hans, which I will start posting in the next day or so. Keep watching the thread for updates.

[AshDinaRachLvr]

YAY LISA!!!!!!! :D

[Kea]

Way to go Lisa. :)

I remember a while ago we were making jokes that they should call it the "The Huntress Show"! And yet Buffy started out in High school!

Another factor mitigating against equal time among the characters was the considerable resistance we were getting from the network to Oracle being wheelchair-bound. Really!?!?! I must admit I am really surprised by that!

We really liked the chemistry they generated on screen. I mentioned in an earlier answer that I felt we did the intimate things best. Helena and Reese just worked, though we needed to "deepen" the relationship. We were also working with network notes that dictated getting Reese involved with the Birds in order to facilitate plot movement. Not going to say it. Oh well might as well. So how many of us wanted to cut back on this relationship a little and focus more on the team! (Liz feel free to jump in anytime now!!!!

[LisaM]

Of all of Hans' answers thus far, the one which has surprised me the most concerns the network's resistance to showing Oracle in a wheelchair. Didn't any of the network execs read the comic book before buying the show?

In my opinion, Oracle was the most interesting character on the show and one of the most inspiring characters on television - precisely because she was able to rebuild her life to accommodate her challenges and to flourish despite being in a wheelchair. For the suits to have a problem showing the wheelchair just goes to show that they didn't understand the essence of BoP. Clearly, they didn't deserve this show.

[Kea]

Lisa you said it. And I thought I was shocked that they wanted to get rid of Dinah. :eek:
The show is loosely based on the comic! I guess they also missed the fact that Oracle is a role model.

Edited to say: And what's so bad about having a major character in a wheelchair? (which makes me wonder if that's why they created that device to have Oracle walk!)

For the suits to have a problem showing the wheelchair just goes to show that they didn't understand the essence of BoP. Clearly, they didn't deserve this show.-Lisa
And they didn't understand the fans or the potential of this show, the list just goes on and on. Which makes you hope sci-fi (or someone) could/would see what we all see in this show!

Didn't any of the network execs read the comic book before buying the show?-Lisa Maybe not. I am sure they would have had a chance by now to get there hands on one of the Bop comics considering our campaign!

[jrosesimba]

what the hell was so bad about the dame wheelchair!oh my god the network killed the show!

[LisaM]

Maybe not. I am sure they would have had a chance by now to get there hands on one of the Bop comics considering our campaign!

LOL!

[SevenSlave]

Another factor mitigating against equal time among the characters was the considerable resistance we were getting from the network to Oracle being wheelchair-bound. -- Hans

Now we know what The WB thinks of its disabled viewers ... :rolleyes:

[LisaM]

...and of its able-bodied viewers and their willingness to watch characters who may be disabled. Stupid....and offensive.

One other thing I wanted to add: I am very grateful to Hans for spending so much time answering our questions. This level of interaction between an executive producer/writer and the fans is really quite unusual - particularly for a show which only ran for a short time.

[AshDinaRachLvr]

I'm so shocked by the wheelchair thing. The WB should really be ashamed of themselves. That is the most offensive thing I've heard and I'm not even wheelchair bound.

[SevenSlave]

I'm wondering if all those years at Disney have finally rotted Levin's brain. o.O

[Kea]

Lisa I think the campaign must have by now sent them the entire Bop collection, three times over! :D Which never hurts! ;)


Now we know what The WB thinks of its disabled viewers ... -SevenSlave

...and of its able-bodied viewers and their willingness to watch characters who may be disabled. Stupid....and offensive.-Lisa That's just...Its an insult, shocking and a lot of other words that keep popping into my head.

Anyone else notice the shock and disbelief values just keep on coming.

[Sxygrrl Huntress]

I also think it's amazing that he's taking the time to answer all the questions and share his opinion.

I'm fascinated by all the things he's saying about the 'behind-the-scenes' and I can't believe how much TPTB messed up such amazing potential. I see problems all around; from T/R, WB, the showrunner, etc. It's really too bad.

It's frustrating to hear about all of the things that went on because they really could have done so much better. Why did they choose now to really mess up a show???

[DOCMIDNITE]

That's just...Its an insult, shocking and a lot of other words that keep popping into my head.

Anyone else notice the shock and disbelief values just keep on coming. [/B][/QUOTE]

Sounds like it would make a good VH1 Behind The Scenes.

It's what everybody has been saying all along...They never cared about the show....They took SmallVille and promoted it up the WAZU.....In my area I rarely saw a advertisement for BOP......

I still think that Sci Fi would mold the show into the type that Mr. Tobeason invisioned it to be.....
here's Hoping...;)

[SevenSlave]

Originally posted by DOCMIDNITE
I still think that Sci Fi would mold the show into the type that Mr. Tobeason invisioned it to be.....


No ... No ... NO!

* I don't want Dinah to leave the show (That boring yutz Reese gets too much screen time as is; if there's chemistry between him and Huntress, I'm not seeing it). I have no desire to see Dinah dropped in favor of Reese -- a character with all the charisma of a two-by-four. :rolleyes:

* I don't want Dinah turning into an eagle (Can't we just give her a motorcycle? That's how Black Canary gets around in the comics. Or how about a souped-up sports car? Maybe a Mustang ... you never know when she and Huntress are gonna have to haul a** out of a hot situation ;) ).

[DOCMIDNITE]

Hey 7 You need to not hold your feelings in......LOL

what i meant was that the show could be written without all the infighting and changes. They could have expanded on other parts as well as having different locations to shoot. they would probably have more $$$$ to put into the show too. I was never a fan of Reese and thought his part should have been reduced some...
The eagle thing I still don't understand...just a stupid idea..What is Dinah going to be like Marvel's Super Skrull or android Super Adaptoid? Give her the TK powers and even the Canary Cry. if you want someone to morph into an eagle create a new character.
The motorcycle Idea I LOVE. Imagine Canary on one of those NINJA type cycles.......or if you wanted to replace dinah Bring Loughlin back as Canary..*****dream sequence alert*****
Lori Loughlin in black fishnets on a Black ninja motorcycle...
Sorry did someone say something?

[SevenSlave]

Originally posted by DOCMIDNITE
Hey 7 You need to not hold your feelings in......LOL


LMAO!

[AshDinaRachLvr]

I like the eagle idea. :D

[SevenSlave]

^ You would ... :p

[AshDinaRachLvr]

;)

[Kea]

Sounds like it would make a good VH1 Behind The Scenes.-DOCMIDNITE
Bop...yes, my life...ah I don't think so! ;)

I mean Bop was/is a show that attracted viewers who didn't watch the WB before hand. It got people hooked on the comics, the Batman franchise in general I will admit has peaked my interest a little more. And just look at the money being paid for the Bop action figures, shirts and CD's and so on that are being sold on ebay for a lot of money! Well you get the idea.

SevenSlave breath! :) They could keep Dinah and give her a motorcycle or car (suddenly has a vision of Helena and Barbara giving it to her on her Birthday...ok I'm stuck in Fan fiction land!) and reduce Reese's roll...like have him move somewhere or we could just have him live in NG only he and Helena don't run into each other that much anymore...! The possibilities are endless! ;)

[AshDinaRachLvr]

Or, get rid of Reese altogether. This show doesn't need a romance. It just clutters it up. Have Helena's police contact be a woman. Batman and Commissioner Gordon were both guys. Well then this time around, they should both be girls.

[trancer]

Or, get rid of Reese altogether.

I'm totally for that. I still can't believe the PTB thought the Helena/Reese ship was one of elements that "worked". The Hell!?! Imo, it was one of the worst. Contrived, forced, and so lacking in chemistry inert objects were looking down on it smugly.

What I can't figure out is if the WB was so hot on the idea of a "Huntress" show, why bother with Birds of Prey? Why continuously make changes to a product that continuously diluted what made BoP successful in the first place? *sigh* I'll never understand network executives.

[Kea]

Or, get rid of Reese altogether.-AshDinaRachLvr
LOL hey you said it not me! :) (Though its interesting to see how many people are not fans of Reese)

You see here's my question. Helena worked only with Barbara before Dinah showed up. No police contact from what we saw. So why does she need a police contact now? I mean Oracle can hack into the computer system without a problem and/or plant some bugs as well! I guess never saw a need for a police contact is all.

Edited to say: I made it to 1000 posts!:)

[Frostbite]

Originally posted by AshDinaRachLvr
This show doesn't need a romance. It just clutters it up. Have Helena's police contact be a woman.
Or maybe the two ideas could've coexisted.

[LisaM]

Congrats on 1,000, Kea!

[Batman'sCOUSIN]

Kea, she had a crush, and when that happens u usally like to stay close to your crush. It had nothing to do with him being a cop.
I dont want to get rid of Reese. He's not that bad, i mean he did'nt ruin the show. Remember, some of the most important scences delt with him. And its always nice to have a couple in a drama. Thats mostly the reasons for dramas. The only thing i did'nt like about reese is when he started to act like he was apart of the birds. It became oracle on the mic, dinah on stake out, and huntress and reese taking down the bad guys. I just wish he'd stay in his place. A detective. We should have mostly only saw him detecting bodies when someone dies and probably at the last part when he arrest the bad guy, then he can flirt with helena and the show goes off. Thats it, none of that going everywhere, fighting side by side with her stuff. But thats the only problem i had with him. I had no problem with the romantic thing. Be for real people, BOP would'nt be quite the same without Reese.

[AshDinaRachLvr]

Originally posted by Frostbite
Or maybe the two ideas could've coexisted. Are you suggesting Helena be lesbian?

[Sxygrrl Huntress]

More like Helena is a seductive character and with her catlike nature, she should not be limited. The way I see "Huntress" and think about the character, she has the charisma and seductiveness that makes both men and woman drawn to her.

[AshDinaRachLvr]

Yeah, I'd agree with that.

[AshDinaRachLvr]

So, Um, if Green Lantern is Dinah's father, shouldn't she be bi-racial? Or is GL just Black on Justice League? LOL. Dumb, I know.

[Frostbite]

There's about four different Green Lanterns (well, there's tons more, but I doubt Carolyn had sex with an alien).

[Batman'sCOUSIN]

lol, I think he meant to say green arrow.

And Kea, what part on the first episode was there a motercycle?

[DOCMIDNITE]

Originally posted by Sxygrrl Huntress
More like Helena is a seductive character and with her catlike nature, she should not be limited. The way I see "Huntress" and think about the character, she has the charisma and seductiveness that makes both men and woman drawn to her.


Hooray for that...;)
Would get ugly if we had to compete for her affections though....I can just imagine the steel cage match between some of the New Gotham Citizens here.....LOL....Dray and I do hold the BOPWWE Tag Titles though.......

[LisaM]

More questions and answers were posted today (Thursday)...

[AshDinaRachLvr]

The more I read, the more I get outraged. The WB royally F'd up what could have been brilliant. Now we find out they wanted them to get rid of Harley altogether? :shake: Were they absolutely set on destroying EVERYTHING that worked on the show? I think the WB should not be allowed any input in shows. It is them that destroy everything. Leave it to the pros. If Tollin/Robbins had been able to do what they had wanted to from the start, there is no doubt we'd be eagerly anticipating season 2. God damn the WB. AHHHHHHHH!!! I'M SO PISSED!!! :fume: :fume: :fume:

[kryptonite785]

Amen to that. I am royally pissed, and you don't know how hard that is if you're not royalty....

[Kea]

Congrats on 1,000, Kea!-Lisa Thanks Lisa! :)
And Kea, what part on the first episode was there a motercycle?-Batman'sCOUSIN
It can be seen when Barbara and Dinah are coming into the clock tower talking about the vision (with the rats) that Dinah had when she touched the guy. You see it clearly when Barbara says the line "...tail, rising from the ashes phoenix..." Look over Barbara's shoulder and you should see it! (You know what the said part is..I didn't even have to check the tape!)

[lozonofski]

Yep! It's there.
Funny, I never noticed it before.

[LisaM]

Another set of questions and answers were posted this morning (Wednesday).

[AshDinaRachLvr]

The more I read the more it appears the WB fully intended for Birds of Prey to fail. :fume: :fume:

And I REALLY liked thier original idea for Devil's Eyes where Harley would be on the clocktower balcony. That sounded so cool.

[DOCMIDNITE]

It would seem that Ash hit the nail on the proverbial head.
It is unbelievable that we got 13 episodes out of that chaos:shrug: . Hats off to Hans and the rest of the :write: writers.
Makes you wonder if Smallville goes through the same CRAPOLA
I would guess they picked someone with a "vision" for the show, unlike what our BOP went through.

[LisaM]

You wonder why The WB, Warner Brothers Television, Tollin/Robbins, etc... would pour all of the money into a show without hiring an experienced showrunner from Day One. Particularly for a show so closely connected with a comic book character which is a franchise for Warner Brothers. It absolutely defies any sort of logic and boggles the mind. One would have thought that the studio would have taken great precautions to protect anything having to do with its Batman franchise from the start.

I agree with you, Doc, the writers are to be congratulated for turning out 13 episodes - even ones which we criticized - under such horrible conditions.

Thanks again to Hans for having the desire and guts to participate in our Forum. Most people in his position would not have gone out of their way to give such detailed and thoughtful responses to our questions.

[AshDinaRachLvr]

I'm sending a letter to Bonnie Hammer tomorrow that includes a link to the question and answer page. I think the information contained there could prove VERY useful.

[DOCMIDNITE]

Nice idea Ash.........couldn't hurt

[AshDinaRachLvr]

Thanks. I thought so. :D

[Kea]

You wonder why The WB, Warner Brothers Television, Tollin/Robbins, etc... would pour all of the money into a show without hiring an experienced showrunner from Day One. Particularly for a show so closely connected with a comic book character which is a franchise for Warner Brothers. It absolutely defies any sort of logic and boggles the mind. One would have thought that the studio would have taken great precautions to protect anything having to do with its Batman franchise from the start.-LisaM You there really is no logic or common sense behind all of this! :rolleyes: I mean you would think a show like Bop they would want to keep around no matter what like the rest of your statement. One would think common sense would prevail!
Trust me Lisa the more you think about it the more your head begins to hurt!

I agree its a miracle we got 13 eps at all!
And thanks again Hans for putting up with all of our questions! :)

[LisaM]

I have one more set of questions and answers left to post. Once that is posted, Hans has very graciously volunteered to answer follow-up questions.

[AshDinaRachLvr]

Wow! What a cool guy!

[jdbop]

Hey there everyone. Kudos to Lisa M - you are doing a great job with Q & A to/from Hans. I am intrigued and ticked, not by his insight, but by what he reveals. It does seem like the WB didn't really want BoP to succeed. More the pity. It was/is a great show. I hope he gets to some of my questions.
To clarify - Green Arrow and the Black Canary were romantically involved in the comics - not the Green Lantern. I think GA and BC were members in the Justice League together in one of the many formations of heroes that made up the JL over the years.

[LisaM]

The last set of questions and answers has been posted. However, if your questions were not answered...don't despair! Hans has agreed to accept follow up questions and is eager to continue the dialogue with the fans. All questions should be submitted by August 28th to webmaster@birdsofpreyonline.com

Please don't post the questions here since I don't want to accidentally miss any.

[Apollo]

I want to brain storm with you people to make good questions for Hans. So tell me if any of these are good questions to ask because I don't want to waste his time.

Why wasn't the batgirl aspect of BoP used enough. Dina Meyer said that it was great playing three parts including batgirl which would appear in flashbacks. Also why wasn't Batigril used in the promos for the show. I would thinnk Batgirl an American icon would attract a lot of viewers to Bop?

Why didn't you pool ideas from the comics like villians, love story lines, and so on. They wouldn't have to be exactly but he same idea.

What scenes or situations (fight, love, relationship) aspects went well because of the actors?

[LisaM]

Apollo, those are all good. I particularly like the Batgirl question.

[SevenSlave]

Don't let the fact that the show has shut down scare you away from fighting.

"Sliders" shut down too; the producer had given up hope and dissociated himself from the product (Sound familiar? ;) ) ... and then the Sci-Fi Channel picked it up after a lengthy fan campaign.

No miracle ... just a lot of hard work and elbow grease. :)

[tnewebmaster]

I think I will be sending in my questions in the next day or 2... just have to get a chance.

[jrosesimba]

what i like to know why didn't the wb change the day or time slot of bop.what do you guys think good question !

[SevenSlave]

^ Jordan Levin wanted to kill the show ... end of story.

[LisaM]

Please remember that the last day to submit follow up questions for Hans Tobeason is August 28th. All questions should be sent to webmaster@birdsofpreyonline.com

PLEASE put "BoP" or "questions for Hans" or something similar in your subject line since we are getting bombarded with emails from the SoBig virus and I don't want to delete your message in error.

[Kea]

You know I actually just realized I always wondered (and forgot to ask) why they decided to have Dinah come from Missouri...considering the state usually gets overlooked. (Personally I got a kick out of it! ;) ) Oh well maybe someone tossed a dart at a board or something like that. Never mind.

[LisaM]

FYI: I just posted the initial follow up questions and Hans' responses.

Many thanks as usual to Hans for his continued willingness to spend the time answering our questions...and for his candor.

[WJT]

how do I look at the questions and responses?

[LisaM]

http://www.birdsofpreyonline.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=4052

[tnewebmaster]

Yay! More questions were answered! thanks Lisa.... can't wait for my own! :D

[LisaM]

Coming up soon, I promise...

[Kea]

Hans: As I've mentioned, we had a really interesting arc for Helena's descent into darkness that would have taken a few episodes to develop. Helena was supposed to kill Wade, and then be redeemed.
OH MY...put me down for I really, really want to see that!!!!!!!!! That sounds sooooo good! I want my show back! :weep:

I'd pay to see and read that script!!! ;)


Anyway well at least we know how much it cost to make the show...!
Thanks again for posting them Lisa. :)

[LisaM]

Hi All: Two more sets of questions to and answers from Hans were just posted today (Sunday).

[jaguarin]

MMM, reading the answers of Hans I just could say: Poor writers, if the WB let them work, the should be great!

[Frostbite]

Something tells me Birds of Prey would've been awesome had the network and the producers just agreed with what the writers had written.

[SevenSlave]

What's this "would've been" stuff?

Is not the campaign still on?

I agree that it would've been better for all concerned had the network (and the studio) just let EVERYONE do their jobs without interference.

[DOCMIDNITE]

Obviously. "Too many cooks spoil the broth"...so to speak.

[jaguarin]

Well the big networks always do the same, ask Ian.... they change everything!

[LisaM]

Yet another set of very interesting questions and answers has just been posted (Thursday morning).

[Sxygrrl Huntress]

Hey, are those the interesting ones you asked there, Lisa??? :p :p

[LisaM]

Nope...not yet.

[LisaM]

Last set of "Hans questions and answers" has now been posted. Enjoy!

[jaguarin]

i enjoyed and I felt sad, because he behind his words tell us that the show really would be much better but the network don't let the brid fly....

[jrosesimba]

it's depressing isn't it especially i think for dina's part ,what's was the big deal with the wheelchair?

[AshDinaRachLvr]

Screw the WB and their narrowminded views on everything. The exact things they fought so hard against were the very things the fans loved and believed to make the show shine. They really didn't know what they had. Networks should consult the fan bases every once in awhile. It would prove very beneficial. They'd have hits on their hands left and right.

[LisaM]

I watched a tape of Joan of Arcadia tonight, which featured a supporting character in a wheelchair. I kept thinking how CBS didn't seem to have a problem with a paralyzed character in a wheelchair but The WB, in its stupidity, sure did.

[jaguarin]

That is discrimination to those people...