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Hasn't
Fox shown lesbian kisses before?
Yeah, on Firefly and Boston Public. But there’s
a lot of conservatism at the networks, because the networks are
invariably run by conservative umbrella corporations that are
not as liberal as the television employees. If it were up to [producers]
Gail Berman and Craig Erwich, I’m sure they would have no
problem with the two women kissing, but they’re answering
to a higher power than themselves.
I do get that, I understand those concerns but I hope that as
we get further along with the show and develop a fan base we’ll
be allowed to more fully explore that aspect of her character.
So
they’re holding your show to a different standard because
it’s new.
Yes, that grip will be loosened a bit once we find an audience.
There’s always a nervousness at the networks with new shows
with hot-button issues and not wanting to give anyone any reasons
not to like the show, especially at higher levels in the network.
But
I think also when you see two women kissing on shows like Fastlane,
it’s fun, it’s exploitive, and it’s like “ooh,
hot chick-on-chick action” and it’s to get the straight
guys to watch. When you’re talking about two adult women
in a serious relationship that is genuine and tender, I think
it scares them because you’re trying to say that gay people
are normal. When it’s played as a joke it’s easier
for them to digest than when it’s actually real. We’ve
definitely been advised not to say the word “lesbian”
quite so much, and to not make that such a focal point with Sharon's
character.
Do
you think the networks are getting more progressive on this topic,
or less?
I don’t know. I don’t think there’s a yes or
no answer to that question. Once Wonderfalls has an audience,
we will be able to "earn" those moments instead of fighting
for them--right now we usually lose those battles, but we may
be able to win them if the show becomes a hit.
You’d
think with all the attention around gays in the media lately that
these standards would have relaxed a little more than it sounds
like they have.
I think there are instances where it’s become more relaxed,
but then you have backlash—like the overreaction to the
Janet Jackson incident. That had a global effect on all sorts
of television.
Are
you at all concerned about the Friday night timeslot?
One of the great things about airing on Friday nights is that
expectations are very low. Even we even make a blip in the ratings
on Friday night at 9pm, our chances of being picked up for a second
season are much stronger. And frankly, if it was good enough for
The X-Files, it’s good enough for us.
What else are you working on?
I’m writing an animated pilot for the sci-fi channel based
on a Mike Mignola comic called The Amazing Screw-On Head.
I’m really enjoying working with the Sci Fi channel--but
I’m also really looking forward to coming back for a second
season of Wonderfalls.
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