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End Of Show – on the set of Joss Whedon’s DOLLHOUSE.

Over the last few days, there have been multiple stories across the Internet about Joss Whedon and FOX Broadcasting Corp’s upcoming TV series shutting down production.  This is true – it is closed for two weeks for script work.

However, there has been much speculation about the closure in the media, including some very suspect looking quotes from people ‘familiar with the process’ which have caused the fan base to go to Whedon-terror level orange.  We live in troubling times.  Some of the media reporting has been outright misinformed and wrong; other articles have deliberately been playing a negative angle to gain attention (and therefore advertising revenue) a cynical person might suggest.

Here’s a few facts:

- 20th Century Fox have openly said they support Joss Whedon, both in terms of the show and at the current moment.

- The show is still going to air in January.  This short closure effects nothing in terms of viewing the show on your TV.

- None of the current executives at FOX involved in the downfall of Firefly remain.  It’s new blood.

- New FOX head Kevin Reilly joined them from NBC, where he babied multiple low rated series through their first year, and developed them into hit TV shows.  Including The Office.  Not only did his support of the show turn it into a high profile international franchise – he even appeared in an episode, because he loved the show.

So, a TV show shutting down to work on scripts is always a sign of a failed show which a network wants to cancel, right?

Well, I’d like to give you an example of a show in the same situation as Dollhouse.  In 1999, The WB was well into developing a TV show – having already shot footage – but had to close down production as there were issues with tone.  That television series went on to have over 100 episodes produced, spanning 5 successful years and became an international hit.

The show?  It was produced by  DOLLHOUSE producers Joss Whedon and Tim Minear, and was called ANGEL.

So here’s a message which has nothing to do with fear, or panic, or advertising money: have no fear.  This isn’t Firefly.  We could tell you what insiders have told us, but we won’t quote anybody.  Just know this: this is a show everybody wants to succeed.   We’re not saying everything is perfect on the show, because – you know – it’s not, it needs tweaking.  Which is exactly what everybody involved is doing.  Which is, in fact, a good thing.  You want the show to be great, right?  I know this humble armchair critic does.

- Kevin Beaumont.