MovieChat Forums > Undercovers (2010) Discussion > The show would have survived if...

The show would have survived if...

posted 13 years ago by pasadenacatpink
35 replies | jump to latest

The lead characters were white. I'm a black person myself, but if they hired white actors as leads in "Undercovers," the show would have better ratings so that NBC would keep the show a little longer. Maybe NBC cancel "Undercovers" not because of the poor writing, acting, and ratings, but the lead characters were black. And I doubt it that no one doesn't know about the woman who played Boris Kojoe's character's wife named GuGu. I don't know why she is named "GuGu!" I researched GuGu and "Undercovers" is her first American show that she ever did. The rest of her works are in the UK, (which where she is normally from). It feels like more people are tuning into shows with white leads than black leads. I guess NBC has turned into the "Nothing But Cr@p" network. Sorry to say that, but that's my opinion.

[–] Crossingthegulf 13 years ago

I think part of the problem was they were missing the will or won't they element. One theme in many drama shows is the will they get together or won't between the leads. The couple was already together and deeply in love. There was no sexual tension for the fans.

Look at House six seasons of will they or won't they with House and Cuddy. They got together and the show is dropping in ratings.

[–] Joliemolie 13 years ago

No...it as cancelled because of bad writing. It could have been much better. I am surprised it has an Abrams stamp on it. I hope Gugu and Boris will find their way to a hit series. I enjoy them as actors.

[–] daem0n235 13 years ago

Everyone says its bad writing but I'm not so sure its that cause. The writing definitely wasn't exciting but it was far from bad. Bad writing makes you cringe on every line. Bad writing? Try watch a movie lately. The new movie, Skyline-- that has bad writing. The dialog was unoriginal and not-ready-for-primetime. Where this show belongs is on a niche network. Perhaps the WB would have it. This show hails from the same genre of campy as cult favorites such as Hercules and Xena. I'm not mocking fans of those shows, rather it appeals to viewers of easy viewing dramas. People that watch to be entertained by pretty pictures moving around for about an hour. The problem is the characters are so flat. I'd rather have seen Lizzy (Mekia Cox) on the screen more than the main female lead.

As for the slow start every is complaining about. Its the burden that comes with success. This show is essentially a reboot on Alias, slow start and all. If you remember or rewatch Alias you will notice the deceptively slow start that preludes the storm of confusion and intrigue. Alias was 9 years ago. It was prior to Lost and prior to expectations that a JJ Abrams show equates to a twisty cerebral drama. As much as Alias is remembered fondly; I doubt a launch 9 years later would have fared as well. It is also unquestioned that the components of this Alias remake are unremarkable and ultimately the reason for its failure. There is a level of expectation for a JJ Abrams show that may not be duplicable-- this is an issue that followers of M Night Shyamalan may be familiar with.

[–] wsheit 13 years ago

But that's the problem. Abrams has mentioned in interviews that this Undercovers would go light on mythology- that it wouldn't be another Alias or Lost. They were gunning for a more casual crowd. That's why I never gave the show a chance. I had heard rumors that SOME plot lines were starting to develop and came to this forum to see whether this was true. And now I see it's cancelled...time saved I guess.

[–] TheDuchessofM 13 years ago

Alias began with a bang and kept on going. Sure, the introduction of the Rambaldi prophesy, and the whole Irina, KGB, etc etc stuff came later, but the action and the relationships between the characters were established in the first episode. The trouble with UnderCovers was that it lacked edge. It's not a bad show, but the Blooms and their missions were just plain boring. Abrams was aiming for the casual audience, but guess what? A casual audience results in cancellation. Even sitcoms, which rarely have arcs which extend over an entire season, must have some basic, underlying focal point AND compelling characters, which will keep viewers tuning in each week. With each episode of this show being basically stand-alone, there was no reason to flip the channel to NBC because I already know: chaos in the kitchen, blah blah blah, the surly Shaw sends the Blooms on a secret mission blah blah blah, Leo and Hoyt are going to show up and rehash the same old schtick of Leo teasing Steven over his expertise and past relationship with Sam and Hoyt drooling over Steven, blah blah blah, the bad guys talk about their evil plans, blah blah blah, action and lame attempts at sexiness, blah blah blah, the Blooms defeat the bad guys and end up in bed.

[–] 13 years ago

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[–] larryballer06 13 years ago

explain to me what "acting white" is lol. also the kkk called and your hood is ready at the dry cleaners.

[–] yonasmic 13 years ago

Wow, I cannot even respond to this comment.

All of the fuss around the race issue around "Undercovers" has actually made me realize there actually is a race issue after all. Regardless of how sharp the writing was or how captivating the show was, some of your comments are just... ugh.

Yonas Michael
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4000952/
http://www.sophomorestv.com/

[–] cataguiguess 13 years ago

Perhaps if the other half of "Simon & Simon" would have shown up, as the "mystery man in the car" Shaw was often seen talking to, the show would have gone on to greater stuff. In many respects, the show reminded of that one of the 80's, but with a modern approach. Unconventional undercovers should have done better. And yes, Gugu was a breath of fresh air on the screen, as far as Boris goes, he is no stranger to agent roles, I think.

[–] epsunset 13 years ago

Sorry honey, I'm a white person, and Undercovers is one show I would not miss. I like the show because it has a new and different story line. I don't see the actors as white or black...I see them as interesting enough to stop what I'm doing and watch the show...and to look forward to the next episode. I personally think NBC is making a big mistake and I am very disappointed. Let's hope there is another network out there that is smart enough to pick this series up and continue it beyond the first season. And, by the way, I am 77 years old!!!

[–] shametarr 11 years ago

I was amazed to find out that there were 13 episodes, as I always looked for it on TV. It was usually up against American Idol, DWTS, Big brother, etc.., as well as being replaced by sporting events/special events, etc. I found both leads attractive and interesting, premise was good, and I believe it was never given a fair chance. Same thing happened to Terra Nova. I need to see if they put it out on DVD as I only saw 5 or 6 episodes, and I would buy that!

[–] 10 years ago

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[–] Crossingthegulf 10 years ago

No it would have probably survived if they used a more Burn Notice format of will they or won't between the two characters instead of making it like Hart to Hart. Also Knight Rider and Bionic Woman had white characters and they got cancelled.