MovieChat Forums > Chesapeake Shores (2016) Discussion > The pilot dog

The pilot dog

posted 8 years ago by Westchester914
11 replies | jump to latest

being different from episode 2 and the different B&B are just something that occurs with pilots. I remember the pilot for Seinfeld - called "The Seinfeld Chronicles" had Kramer's name as "Kessler," the diner they hung out in was completely different, and the George character was not as much of a loser as he later became. In fact, in the pilot Jerry was the one who was more uncertain about women and George came across as more experienced. That flipped totally once the series was picked up.

[–] tamaraleigh 8 years ago

Wasn't the pilot dog a Golden Retriever?? Why not at least get another Golden and not a totally different breed?

Curiosity may have killed the cat....but satisfaction brought it back!

[–] mobarber 8 years ago

I agree! I understand that the original dog from the pilot may not have been available, but I see no reason they couldn't have gotten another golden retriever to replace him!

[–] andrea-653-980616 8 years ago

In my opinion they made a good choice to exchange the Retriever with a German Shepherd (even though a bit funny of course ;-)) Nevertheless Trace being this lonely nature loving athletic dude, a German Shepherd is the obvious choice instead of typical family dog like the retriever. Unfortunately, they used a German Shepherd from the show line instead of the working dog line – but still better than a Retriever.

The question is: Is his name still Axel or just 'boy' ;-)

[–] kjperes13 8 years ago

Axel

[–] CranberriAppl 8 years ago

I noticed the dog change and had to rewind it to make sure I wasn't seeing things. lol! Figured it was a pilot thing.

I don't know anything about show dogs, but did the dog have shorter legs?

Im gonna cut this wire&leave the bldg.Then&only then are you going to stand up. Am I clear?- Mrs S

[–] corry-helmond 8 years ago

I don't agree at all.
It's not "funny" at all; I would prefer the term sloppy or careless.
Retrievers are "water dogs", very sporty and fun; plus far more reliable than Shepherds.
I loved the shot where the dog lays totally relaxed when Jesse Metcalfe plays the guitar and sings. So fitting for a retriever and boss-dag relationship.

[–] ambrosia-apples 8 years ago

I don't like the new dog. He doesn't seem to have a personality at all. I'm sure he does, but it doesn't translate well onto screen. I think it shows that people miss the first dog from just one episode. He was great.

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"Do you feel fortuitous? Well, do you? Hooligan?"

[–] corry-helmond 8 years ago

Indeed - quite disturbing! The not so Golden retriever in the pilot almost had the build of a flatcoat.

[–] um50 8 years ago

Do you know I was thoroughly confused and actually thought he owned two dogs? So I kept looking around for the golden retriever and it wasn't until this 3rd episode that I realized that pilots tend to vary before the season really begins.

[–] Eowyn8 8 years ago

I, too, miss the Retriever. Thought the original was a much better choice for the setting.

[–] CobblersAwls 7 years ago

Yes, I miss that dog, too! He was floppy, funny and had loads of personality and clearly liked having a fuss made over him by characters when they scratched his ears. Yes, an Alsatian just has a different vibe; much more majestic than cuddly.

Hey, may be they switched out the dog to direct viewer's attentions from the fact that the family home was massively different, Trace's restored cottage was different and the B&B went from a small craftsmen/island cottage to a huge water front distressed wood villa!!!!!!

Typical for pilots, though. Am sure they just source a location they need for a pilot and go for it. Whatever reasons they had for not going back to the pilot locations would be interesting--like maybe they just contracted for a couple of weeks for those locations but they were not available for a long-term shoot?

Either way, that kind of thing is often weird to say the least. It asks a lot of viewers to "buy" all the new settings and still suspend their disbelief.