MovieChat Forums > Ravenswood (2013) Discussion > Not getting a fair shot?

Not getting a fair shot?


I am really loving the show it's just a shame all the Hate many PLL fans are throwing at I it I watch both shows and enjoy both shows the main reason being the shippers who are that upset about Caleb and Hanna splitting up temporarily I really though PLL fans would support the show instead it seems many are boycotting which to me seems a shame.

PLL was used to launch the show but I am sure in time if the show ran several seasons the ties would be cut altogether I think the show is great Nicole Gale Anderson is great as Miranda and brings a lot to the show.

Just wondered is many people watch both shows are if so do they agree the shows not getting a fair shot and unfair comments just because they spilt Hanna and Caleb up?

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Personally, I prefer Ravenswood, because I love supernatural shows. But it's *so* different a show from PLL that it is weird that it's a "spin-off". I think they would've been better off having no connection to PLL. I like TB/Caleb and like the character being used in Ravenswood BUT it's confusing to have the supernatural pact and ghosts etc in the same "world" as PLL. (Now, I'll grant that PLL world isn't entirely "realistic", either, it's in an entirely different way.)

To me it's like they're trying to get the same audience with a show that really is meant for an entirely different audience. So, non-PLL followers who like supernatural shows might not give it a chance because they think it's like PLL, meanwhile PLL fans who don't like supernatural shows maybe gave it a chance (though I know some didn't because they either didn't like Caleb, or were upset because of the Haleb breakup) but it just wasn't their thing because it's not like an extension of PLL. There will be some crossover fans because there are some who like both types of shows (and/or would follow Tyler Blackburn anywhere ;) ), but overall it probably would've been better to have Caleb leave the show and cast Tyler in Ravenswood without having it be a spin-off. Too late, of course, but hey...

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I watch both shows, but not because I like them both. I think Ravenswood is terrible, and not because I don't like supernatural shows or because they "stole" Caleb, but because everything about it is embarrassingly bad.

I also hate the fact that they just had to connect it to PLL, if this was a regular show standing on its own, it would be a totally different thing, but a non-supernatural show with a supernatural spin off just doesn't make any sense whatsoever.

Plus, watching the actors in this show trying to act is almost painful. It seems like even Tyler/Caleb has become a bad actor since joining this.

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If you don't like it, why waste your time watching it? Neither show is going to win any Emmys for writing or acting, and the acting on PLL ranges from pretty good to mediocre at best. If your taste is that sophisticated, perhaps ABC Family isn't for you...

I like both shows. I started watching PLL with my daughter; it's not the type of show I'd normally seek out, Ravenswood is. I'll be watching both till they conclude; hopefully that means no more than another season for PLL and a couple more for Ravenswood, since I can't see how they could sustain either show's stories further than that.

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PLL is far superior but Ravenswood is a fun watch as well...not to mention scarier.

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Everyone's of course entitled to their own opinions, but I wouldn't say PLL is "far superior" to Ravenswood. :) If you must compare them, use a series with some meat on it - Buffy was and is far superior to Ravenswood and PLL.

I'm not blaming PLL for any issue Ravenswood might have, except it seems an awful lot of PLL fans, particularly Haleb-ers are doing their very best to say how awful Ravenswood is, when they've barely even watched it. Being a PLL fan doesn't mean you're going to watch Ravenswood, and if you like Ravenswood, you very well might not like PLL. I would've given Ravenswood a chance quicker than PLL, because it's a genre I generally enjoy, certainly more than teen soap-mysteries. I only started watching PLL because I thought it was something my teenaged daughter and I could do together and share.

Aside from the state they're based in, having teenaged leads, and Caleb, there's really very little the two shows share. If you don't like Ravenswood, don't watch, it's so simple.

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If you don't like Ravenswood, don't watch, it's so simple.



Which is precisely why this show only got a million viewers on Tuesday :)

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And this is something you felt important to stick in the noses of those who do like the show, with a smile no less, because...?

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Ah, I see. You gave both shows a rating of 1 star. Troll. Ciao.

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How is that trolling? I dislike Ravenwood and i'm sick of being jerked around on PLL. Hence the poor rating I gave.

So yeah, you cannot blame the PLL viewers for not watching then say 'if you don't like then don't watch' Pretty silly.

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To me, trolling is when you post negatively on forums when you don't like a show (or movie, etc) in order to get a response - and if you don't expect a fan response on a board for that show, you're pretty naïve. For you to post a snarky "That's why it only got xyz ratings" with a smile, when don't even watch this show, is trolling as far as I'm concerned. You give both of these shows a 1, so you certainly would seem to be a troll - if you don't like either show, I don't know why you waste your time watching or coming here to bit*h about them. For example, you seem to hold Twilight in high regard, you gave it a 10 rating. I think that series was pathetic, but I'm not going to go over to those forums and waste my time posting nasty, unnecessary remarks about it!

And I didn't "blame" PLL viewers for not watching, that's their prerogative of course, but I can and do blame them for posting endlessly how awful RW is when they don't watch, and, therefore, don't know what the h*ll they're talking about. It's quite irritating.

Obviously, if you watch a show, you're going to want to discuss it. Even if you watch and like a series, sometimes things are going to happen you don't like, and posting and discussing makes sense. My issue is with those who don't watch, who don't like, and just come to post negative crap for the sake of posting negative crap.

If you're not an actual troll, I'm sorry.

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David-bradleycg,

I watch both shows - and I think that PLL fans are right to be pissed.

To accomodate RW, PLL had to "certify" the existence of the supernatural in its shared universe (now we have to seriously & foolishly entertain the possibility ghosts appearing at Rosewood!). It had to give up an important & established character (who are the girls going to call to hack phones and get into the mainframe?). And obviously, it was forced into destroying a long-established & fan-favourite "ship".

You could forgive all of this...if Ravenswood was actually worth watching. But it just isn't. It's a rushed and poorly executed show that wastes the time of its actors and audience.

The Ravenswood creators basically took the "A" formula and rehashed it in a supernatural context. They figured that the audience are so superficial and stupid, all you need to give them is a never-ending sequence of suspense & scare scenes.

What they ignored was that most of us fell in love with 'Pretty Little Liars' because it had a rich diversity of: personalities, family drama, growing pains, and romances. Ravenswood barely has any of that.

To be honest, if they had actually tried to sell Ravenswood on its own merits - and presented it without any tie-in to Pretty Little Liars - I don't even think it would have been approved as a "pilot".

You think PLL fans are the only ones pissed about this? Think of all those Bunheads and Jane-By-Design fans who assume their superior shows were axed to accomodate this gimmick-fest.



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For some reason you addressed your comment to David-bradleycg, but replied to me, so I guess I'll have to stick my two cents in, since David-bradleycg may not even see your post.

The whole OMIGOD, there's ghosts next door! has been discussed ad naseum. Just because there's odd things going on in the town next door doesn't mean ghosts and goblins are going to invade Rosewood, so you can breath again.

PLL has a "rich diversity" of not a whole heck of a lot. Emily's family is sort of diverse, but that's about it. There may be some 'diverse' personalities, but there are certainly the same on RW, and -unlike those on PLL- they get more textured with every episode. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy PLL, but I'm also not sitting around comparing the shows, because aside from Caleb and being launched from PLL, they're nothing alike, and that's fine by me.

How many episodes of Ravenswood have you actually watched, that you feel you're entitled to come to all these conclusions? If it was less than 3, I really think you don't have enough information AND I'm not really sure why you felt you need to come to this board - if you don't like a show why go to it's forum? Just to pot-stir? As I pointed out to someone earlier, I think Twilight is trash, but I don't go over to that forum just to post opinions and pontificate about the series! Kind of silly. If you don't like Ravenswood, don't watch and save yourself. Obviously I wouldn't tell you not to come here, it's a free country, I'll just repeat again, kind of silly to waste time posting here about a show you obviously don't like, and probably haven't watched more than a few times.

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solitaryphoenix,

Not really directed at you, but feel free to react (fyi, your "Reply" button was closest when I wanted to post).

I have watched every episode. And IMDB isn't a sycophantic fansite. It's a public ratings & critical review site. Alot of us here are creative-types (most passive observers, but some actively involved) who are interested in the medium of televised fiction. We think there's a value to discussing what works, what doesn't...and why that may-be.

The OP solicited opinions about why alot of Pretty Liars fans aren't taking to this show. Okay, I'm a Pretty Liars fan. I'm not really happy with Ravenswood. I'll oblige & explain why that is.

...

You misunderstood what I meant by "rich diversity". *Not* talking about skin colour. *Am* talking about the various aspects of the characters lives that the show touches on (I cited all those things in the post you responded to - so won't repeat unnecessarily).

It's sad, because 'Ravenswood' was more than capable of becoming a "rich & diverse" show as well. But as I said in my IMDB review...they simply dived into & the "A" gimmick way too quickly & dwelled on it way too much...refusing to do the work & buildup that helps viewers connect to the characters.

If the show gets cancelled, I hope the ABC Family takes these obvious lessons to heart and not repeat such mistakes. If the show gets another chance...same goes!

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While a lot of people on IMDb may be "creative-types" who find value in discussing what works and what doesn't, I'm not sure that the majority of PLL viewers fit that bill. Look at the posts on the PLL Facebook page and you'll find quite a few people who can't even follow the plot, let alone give a valid explanation of why Ravenswood doesn't work. Their reasoning, for the most part, is simply that they don't want Caleb to leave Hannah.

Don't get me wrong, I could pick apart Ravenswood for its flaws (mind you, I could do the same for PLL), but I like seeing Tyler Blackburn as more than a side character. I think the biggest problem the show faces is that ABC Family aimed to get viewers from PLL when it's an entirely different show/genre. There is no connection besides Caleb, but many fans are still trying to tie them together. You can't watch Ravenswood with the expectation that you're getting an extension of PLL. It's a spin-off for the sake of taking advantage of PLL's popularity, not because the stories are related. If people could get past that, it's not such a terrible show. I was doubtful for the first few episodes--it seemed like there were some holes in the plot--but it's gotten better in that regard and keeps me interested. Of course, if a PLL fan isn't into supernatural stuff, this probably isn't the show for her/him whether it's good or not :]

Also, I completely agree about the lack of character development. With there only being 10 episodes in Season 1 though, I'm not surprised that they focused more on the plot than characters. I just hope that it improves going forward.

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I think fair play to those who have watched the show but don't enjoy it but a look as the PLL board tells a different story many posters refuse to watch the show which by definition is not giving the show a fair shot many decided after it was announced they were boycotting the show.

Let's be honest Caleb really has had less and less screen time on PLL even before Ravenswood came up so no wonder Tyler jumped at the chance to be a lead of a show. This is not a PLL board but Hanna is far more interesting now Caleb has left and just my view and I watch and enjoy both shows. Thought people would support Tyler a bit more.

My only criticism of the show would be having Hanna in the finale we have one hour to wrap up the show hopefully not for good while I do not think Haleb will reunite they will leave it more than likely to get back season 4 finale or early season 5 if you follow PLL but not Ravenswood and Caleb shows up in PLL it could confuse the heck out of people as to how Haleb have come to reconcile in my book that's poor. I have a feeling if Ravenswood is cancelled they will just hope people forget the breakup lol despite Caleb wanting to stay in the after life with Miranda.

I get the ship thing people get very protective over ships Hanna is my fav PLL character from day one to now and I liked Hanna and Caleb but he is so much better with Miranda even if she is a ghost lol. I am sure fan pressure will force Miranda to be side stepped by the writers tomorrow in the finale lol. Would love to see Caleb stay with Miranda but it's never going to happen lol.

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You just had to say mainframe. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hcywf9mwF5U.
God forbid the girls are locked out of the mainframe! XD
(wait, the mainframe of what exactly?)

__________

"Did you call the hypothetical hardware store and buy a theoretical chainsaw?"

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Imperatrixx,

lol!

Probably Ezra's Child-Molestor-5000! As far as I can tell, it's a black Dell PC, hooked up to three monitors, perpetually running in DOS mode.

The carpenter and the karate kid are no help. Crossing my fingers that Hanna starts dating a guy from Anonymous!

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As far as I can tell, it's a black Dell PC, hooked up to three monitors, perpetually running in DOS mode.


Plus 4 random keyboards, his main one being a Mac one (?). Because he's apparently just as psychotically confused about his computers as he is about his personality.

But that name needs to become official! *gigglesnort*

Crossing my fingers that Hanna starts dating a guy from Anonymous!


Now THAT would make the show worth watching!

__________

"Did you call the hypothetical hardware store and buy a theoretical chainsaw?"

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I don't know why I watch it either. Haven't you ever watched something that was so awful that it almost got a bit funny? Well I guess that's my reason. And the fact that they are still connected in a way. If I never saw Ravenswood, I wouldn't understand what Caleb meant with the whole "it's complicated"-crap, but since I watch this... thing.. I know he suddenly hangs out with ghosts, and that is a bit complicated to explain to your sane girlfriend.

I didn't ask for the story about how and why you started watching either show, but thanks for the info. I just don't like the show, I find it embarrassing, and that's that.

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Like you, I attempted to watch PLL but honestly, it was nothing more than a waste of time for me - not the time spent with my daughter but rather the time spent watching PLL. After she realized just how much I disliked PLL, she actually said, "Mom, go catch up on Supernatural and those other shows you like to watch..." It was sweet of her & I was thankful! We still had our Sunday night sit-downs to Charmed together so neither of us were disappointed in missing time together.

A good half-season after Ravenswood came out, she had me check it out since she thought it was more to my liking since we had sat through the seasons that were made of Roswell High, which did have something of a supernatural feel to it & she had seen a few episodes of Supernatural the series with me. So, I checked it out and found that I LOVED RAVENSWOOOD! At the time, I had no idea it was a spin-off PLL, which btw both my daughters love despite being 10yrs apart in ages... they were each fond of Ravenswood too and with the supernatural theme to it, thought to include Mom into this series but never told me it was a spin-off.

I'm sad it only lasted a season because it was 1000's over better than PLL! The plot of PLL just seems to run around the drain in the same motion like some stuck clog can't be removed without unhinging the house's plumbing from the house itself to change it. Ravenswood was nothing of the sort!

As for the review that stated it "took too long to get to the root of the pact," well how are a bunch of teenagers who are protected by parents who may or may not know of its existence supposed to learn about it sooner? And that goes double for outsiders even though Caleb & Miranda were not technically outsiders of Ravenswood; they were merely outsiders in this incarnation - so to speak...

I realize it's a television series and therefore not real but after having lived all over the place growing up and never staying anywhere long even as a young to early adult, I knew little about the cities and small towns I lived in until I learned about them through neighbors, the landlord/landlady I rented from, or from general gossip though I never really stayed anywhere long enough to make those types of connections unless it was some big thing that the whole community, children, teens, young adults, and elderly alike knew of and were well-versed in. Other than those types of places, I was pretty clueless about the history of an area with exception of when I had to write an article or essay on the area's history, which took a great deal more research for me as a newbie than it did as a townie.

It's a shame broadcast company execs can't keep their damn hands off actual drama and even sci-fi drama for a few seasons in order for a fanbase to be built before chopping it down to add yet another reality tv show nobody with a decent IQ will care to watch! Personally, with exception of Jeopardy, which I don't watch anymore since I told my husband not to replace the television in the living room considering I can't see it in the first place, it's not something I keep up with anymore but I did enjoy it because it required a brain; however, that is not to say that I don't enjoy having the ability to suspend reality for a while to enjoy fictional drama, sci-fi drama, and crime dramas. But when it comes to those annoying 'Reality TV shows,' I'd love to fire them all because that is the most idiotic crap aired on television since the addition of infomercials!

It's not too late to bring back Ravenswood & I hope someone with half a brain will make it happen though I don't think it will but if it does, I'll be back as a viewer with as much enjoyment of the series that was far too short-lived than it deserved. I know many others who will join me b/c they loved it as well and hated to see it canceled. In fact, we would much rather have had PLL canceled first since it is just a major waste of space... IN OUR OPINION! (AND YES EVERYBODY HAS AN OPINION, MY FRIENDS & I INCLUDED)



"My stories propel mundane lives into magical worlds where all is possible." -Paisley

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If PLL wanted to watch the show, they would. Its that simple, 2.12 million gave it a fair shot and watched the pilot on Halloween and decided it was against them.

I hate Ravenwood so I don't watch it, you cant really blame people for not supporting a show which was thrown together purely for financial reasons by the network. Its unfair to put the blame on PLL viewers since the RW cannot stand on its own two feet.

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When I first heard of it I thought it was going to be a lot like PLL, but it's not. It's completely its own, minus the fact that Caleb's in it. it's creepy, and surprising. I love it now

"Don't let stupid little things break your happiness"

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