Spaced. (USA basterdized version)

[Lyricaus]

Yes, you read that title right. I'm sure anyone who has seen spaced will love it. Well, the Americans are one again stealing our ideas, and remaking it. So far it has a pilot in the making, and based on that we will see if it gets further or not. I honestly hope it will be like Red Dwarf USA, and not get past the pilot.
No offence to the Americans, but please get your own ideas for once, and if you must remake ours, do it properly.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071030/tv_nm/spaced_dc

[skoo]

http://forums.weebls-stuff.com/showthread.php?t=68665

[Lyricaus]

Gah. >_< I do offer my most sincere apologies.

[skoo]

Nah its ok, discussion can continue here. Thats just for reference. I guess.

[MeatwagonAction]

Remaking a good sitcom doesn't mean it'll be good, the actors themselves make it funny - the fact that Simon Pegg created it and acted in it made it good. America should stopbastardising our programmes and stick to bastardising their own aweful, aweful sitcoms, or keep making their good ones.

[Bappel]

I really dislike the idea of remaking it. Sure it might be one thing to remake it to another language. But for fuck sake americans speak english. Why do they remake it in USA and not just air the british episodes? Is it money? Dont want to pay to another countries ntertainment industry? Or are they stupid and think they might do millions of stealing other peoples ideas? Well, in a way thats what makes USA what it is.

[matt bird]

it is a bizarre idea to just copy a program the original of which could just as easily be shown

but it looks like they're just stealing the concept and then going in a different direction, especially since it's being written by someone who writes for will & grace

the american office is really funny though, so whatevz

[BekyLou]

I just can't imagine it, I don't see how it would work.
In my opinion, they should leave the idea well alone.

[MeatwagonAction]

I really dislike the idea of remaking it. Sure it might be one thing to remake it to another language. But for fuck sake americans speak english. Why do they remake it in USA and not just air the british episodes? Is it money? Dont want to pay to another countries ntertainment industry? Or are they stupid and think they might do millions of stealing other peoples ideas? Well, in a way thats what makes USA what it is.

Probably more to do with incorperating American culture and filtering out the jokes that only Brit's understand.

On the topic of the bastardised Red Dwarf, It's here (http://youtube.com/watch?v=KwymOX6ey_g), but I had no idea that Robert Llewellyn played Kryton in the American version too! O_o And isn't Holly that English woman from Fraiser? And they even bastardised the old British Red Dwarf jokes...

[Mister Qwerty]

Americans ruin absolutely everything, as previously said, hopefully it will be like Red Dwarf US-fucking-A and not get past the pilot.

[BlueIncaPilot]

I wish I could see Spaced. But it was on telly before my time. I can't reach optimum Hot Fuzz appreciation without seeing it.

[flapjackboy]

Probably more to do with incorperating American culture and filtering out the jokes that only Brit's understand.

On the topic of the bastardised Red Dwarf, It's here (http://youtube.com/watch?v=KwymOX6ey_g)

Gah! That is quite possibly the worst piece of bastardised fuckwittery I have ever seen anybody try and pass off as watchable television. The US writing team responsible for this need to DIAF.

[flippinell]

I wish I could see Spaced. But it was on telly before my time. I can't reach optimum Hot Fuzz appreciation without seeing it.

Meh, someone's gone and put it all on Youtube anyway.Here it is. (http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHc0VDdhXVQ) On the subject of this anti-christ Spaced, no, no, no and finally no. I'm just trying to see how the writer for Will and Grace will pull this off and it looks pretty damn ugly from where I'm standing.

[tom93]

the american office is really funny though, so whatevzThis.

Seriously, everyone says that americans are ruining everything, but the american office is so much funnier than the english one that i don't even connect them mentally anymore. It's a different plane of funny.

admittedly, will and grace is less funny, but don't judge a book by its cover, this could work. maybe.

[GorillaBearBear]

I wish I could see Spaced. But it was on telly before my time. I can't reach optimum Hot Fuzz appreciation without seeing it.

Buy it on DVD?

It's very worth it. Spaced is better than Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz on nearly every level. Except, perhaps, special effects.

[Lyricaus]

I think spaced isn't available on DVD in the USA. I assume that's where he's from.

[GorillaBearBear]

I'm positive she's british, and also that's not a big obstacle now that most DVD players are region free - you could just order it from the british arm of Amazon or something.

[flapjackboy]

Buy it on DVD?

Or, alternatively, Channel 4 have got both seasons available on 4oD for free.

[Splush]

the american office is really funny though, so whatevz
Agreed, and it's good because they did their own thing with it by doing what worked for the actors they had instead of just strictly copying the original, aside from the pilot episode.

I generally don't know why people get so upset about remakes of stuff, it's not like the original isn't going to exist after the Americans have made their version. Also, best case scenario is that it's a big hit and leads to a new series of the UK version being made, hurrah!

[ynnekkenny]

spaced was legendary... american comedy just isnt on the same level as british, thats not to say its worse or better its just full of differences that the americans should, in this case not try to copy.

[BlueIncaPilot]

Meh, someone's gone and put it all on Youtube anyway.

That's very kind of them but again, I am not at the liberty to spend time watching stuff on the internet as I only have one hour a day which is little time enough to pack everything I need to do in.

Buy it on DVD?

It's very worth it. Spaced is better than Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz on nearly every level. Except, perhaps, special effects.


I would but I'm reluctant to part with a tenner on something I've never seen (even though it's highly likely I will enjoy it.) I've only ever once bought a DVD of something i haven't seen and that's Black Books. And I'm inclined to doubt about your second comment.

Or, alternatively, Channel 4 have got both seasons available on 4oD for free.

Again, internet thing.

[ACobraNamedSall]

Well, there's no helping you then is there? :¬ \

Could always try to catch it on T.V. It gets repeated on the Paramount Comedy (I think) channel every now and then.

[GorillaBearBear]

I would but I'm reluctant to part with a tenner on something I've never seen (even though it's highly likely I will enjoy it.) I've only ever once bought a DVD of something i haven't seen and that's Black Books. And I'm inclined to doubt about your second comment.

Yor loss, because it's true. It's about a million times more inventive, I would say the acting is better, and the characters and jokes are funnier. It's no slight on their films, but Spaced does top them. The only place that the films win is on production values, I would say. Actually, the films are a bit cleverer as well, by and large, but spaced is much better. There is no chance you will not like it, just buy it now.

[Snoon]

Spaced is of a time as well. The kind of Playstation generation with early Resident Evil and Tekken. That article doesn't address what the program's actually about, just the premise that allows everything to happen. It'll be a lot less weird (Jam weird, not as weird as Jam, but similarly strange), and it won't really have the same allusions which were part of its greatness. I suppose it'll be rubbish if we compare it to original Spaced, but I figure (hope) it's going to be completely different.

[Irvine Black]

Yor loss, because it's true. It's about a million times more inventive, I would say the acting is better, and the characters and jokes are funnier. It's no slight on their films, but Spaced does top them. The only place that the films win is on production values, I would say. Actually, the films are a bit cleverer as well, by and large, but spaced is much better. There is no chance you will not like it, just buy it now.

Troof. And if you like Black Books you will very much enjoy Spaced.

[Lyricaus]

Troof. And if you like Black Books you will very much enjoy Spaced.
In my opinion I never found black books as good as spaced. It felt too cheesy, mainly due to the laugh track. Had its moments though.

[Irvine Black]

In my opinion I never found black books as good as spaced. It felt too cheesy, mainly due to the laugh track. Had its moments though.

Meh. I like Black Books more than Spaced really, but I'm a big Dylan Moran fan, so I guess I would.

[ACobraNamedSall]

In a side note, Jessica Stevenson got a round of applause on TV today for cracking two eggs at the same time.

And Black Books was in front of a live audience most of the time, the cast talk to them in the outtakes sometimes.

[Lyricaus]

I see, I apologize for assuming it was a laugh track. Also, egg cracking? Past the watershed was this show? Oh and for the recorded, she is now known as Jessica Hynes since she's gotten married, taken husbands name, etc.

[cyber_turnip]

Black Books was really cheesey comedy. It was like a stereotypical American 3 walled sitcom just with British people. It was watchable, but it's far from the level of Spaced which is a classic.

[GorillaBearBear]

what he said.

[BlueIncaPilot]

Yor loss, because it's true. It's about a million times more inventive, I would say the acting is better, and the characters and jokes are funnier. It's no slight on their films, but Spaced does top them. The only place that the films win is on production values, I would say. Actually, the films are a bit cleverer as well, by and large, but spaced is much better. There is no chance you will not like it, just buy it now.

There is nothing in the world you could say that would convince me that Spaced could be better than SOTD or Hot Fuzz. However, tomorrow, I am going to go into town and purchase Spaced season 1. But, it's entirely your fault if it ruins my evening and makes me kick myself for giving in and spending money.

[Lyricaus]

Can I just say. Spaced is better that the films to me, as its more story based, longer time to develop characters and to feel more for them. It also has alot more funny, subtle parts to it. Oh and I suggest buying the last release all in one box set. It has season one and two, and bonus out takes, and a making of video. All worth it.

[BlueIncaPilot]

Yeah, but I can't get that in Accy tomorrow. I can get season 1.

[Hit]

In related Spaced news, Diablo Cody (screenwriter of Juno) posted this on her myspace:

Many of you know that I’m obsessed with Spaced.

Well, get this: I actually got to contribute commentary for the upcoming (and long-awaited) U.S. DVD release. For real. My fellow American rubes-- I mean, co-commentators-- include Kevin Smith, Matt Stone, Quentin Tarantino, and more. You have got to pick this shit up. Seriously. It’s the greatest show ever, and you’ll get to hear me coo like a besotted auntie every time Colin appears onscreen. Oh, and I ask stupid Yankee questions like "Hey you guys? Where’s Hull?"

I can’t thank the show’s creators enough for letting me play.

Anyway, anticipate the release of the authentic, O.G. British series and please, ignore the thoroughly disrespectful McSPACED remake. Those jagoffs don’t even deserve a curious peek.

tl;dr: Diablo Cody, Matt Stone, Kevin Smith and Quentin Tarantino and others are doing commentary for the American DVD release of Spaced.

[GorillaBearBear]

oh man but what is the point when the commentaries on the UK DVDs are so amazing anyway? (read: I am geeky enough that I might buy the american release)

True GBB fact: I have watched both series of spaced more times with commentary than without, and can actually quote almost as much commentary as I can actual spaced.

[Beef Magic]

Track... Dutch... BAFTA!

[MamboCat]

I saw the Observer's article on this last weekend... or the weekend before.. The one with Thom Yorke's edition of the weekend magazine! :D Anyways apparently Simon Pegg and co have had nothing to do with this, its being done without their permission and yet they've been included on the credits as consultants! Needless to say, the article said none of them were happy about this.

Anyways it probably won't work as well. Sure the US Office worked allright and was kinda funny in its own right. But Spaced takes the piss out of a lot of US shows and films. Don't they realise this?! The jokes will be totally lost.

I saw the pilot of the US Red Dwarf and despite Jane Leeves being Holly (OH LOOK! She's English! It must be OK! :rolleyes:) it was absolutely awful. The cultural references just cannot be transferred like that. Thats why, if you ask me... Cold Feet was a pile of crap! I got the impression it was trying to be like Friends but was just terrible!

[Mat^]

what I don't understand is how production of this version is even going ahead?

The original creators had no idea, surely this stuff sort of constitues... I don't know... a lawsuit?

[Lyricaus]

I did think that, but it could either be the copyright expired, or one of the creators of the new one part produced the original, giving them some rights?

Hell, it could be the fact they've changed it just enough that they can get away with it. I'm not up to date with laws though.

[Bisyss]

From Pegg's statement:The fact is, when we signed our contracts ten years ago, we had neither the experience or the kudos to demand any clauses securing any control over future reversioning. We signed away our rights to any input in the show's international future, because we just wanted to get the show made and these dark days of legal piracy seemed a far away concern. As a result, we have no rights.So it seems that Simon and Jessica don't own the rights to the show. :(

[cyber_turnip]

A review posted fairly recently on aintitcoolnews says the pilot's script is good, but that's because 95% of it is exactly the same as the pilot to the original show. Essentially it's just a direct copy of the original show with a few Americanisations here and there and one or two original jokes which apparently aren't bad and it's a shame there aren't more of them instead of 'stealing' from the source material.
Apparently the final act takes a fairly different turn.

You just know they're going to play up the whole hiring a flat under the pretense that they're a couple premise for the American version though. That was such a minor point in the UK show in the grand scheme of things.

[tom93]

the office stole the first episode too, but it really came into its own after that.
i really don't think that this is such a bad thing.

[Hit]

The Office remake let Gervais and Merchant into the creative process. That hasn't happened for Spaced.

[FoxDhoj]

Edgar Wright will be spinning (right round baby right round like a record baby right round round round) in his vertical grave.

Or will he? He's gone all Hollywood now anyway, with 2 US films in the pipeline - Scott Pilgrim and The Ant-Man...

/edit: is it just that we're better when it comes to comedy? I think so. The Yes Man is being made into a Jim Carrey film, but that's different cause Danny Wallace is letting them do it.

Whatever next, Black Books USA? Surely not.

[Lyricaus]

To be honest, black books never struck me as great British comedy. It had its moments, but the fact it used/needed a laugh track really takes away from it.

[faragher]

Meh. The issue is not that they are remaking Spaced for t'americans, its that they have done it without discusion with the original creators.

You cannot argue that american comedy is rubbish - Friends, Simpsons, Curb Your Enhusiasm all say different (yeah, I said Friends - take that elitist chip of your shoulder and admit it - that shit is hilarious)

Its because Granada owns the show, not Pegg, Hynes etc. And Granada have sold the rights. It could be awesome, but the way that they have treated the original creators sucks, so I will slate it at every opportunity.

And Spaced is the best thing ever made for TV ever. I shed a little tear every time I get to the last episode - both for the characters, and for the fact there is no more :(

[Hit]

Meh. The issue is not that they are remaking Spaced for t'americans, its that they have done it without discusion with the original creators.

Exactly. Perhaps if they had collaborated properly McSpaced could've turned into an interesting adaptation, much like the American Office which I think has surpassed the original in quality.

[cyber_turnip]

Whatever next, Black Books USA? Surely not.
I can't remember if I've already said this, but I'm going to presume not. The answer to whatever next is The IT Crowd, The Mighty Boosh, Saxondale and Nighty Night, all of which have some sort of American show in the works. Baby Cow Productions sold on alot of rights to remakes as you can see as part of some deal. Richard Ayoade is reprising his role as Moss for the American remake of The IT Crowd as far as I can tell.
I'm not sure if any of these shows will get past the pilot stage or not.

To be honest, black books never struck me as great British comedy. It had its moments, but the fact it used/needed a laugh track really takes away from it.
Black Books was a mediocre sitcom. For some reason when a mediocre sitcom is British, people seem to think it's good. It takes truly awful sitcoms to be considered mediocre, if they're British. The same thing happenned with Bottom.


Also, am I the only one who keeps reading McSpaced as MySpaced?

[Hit]

Also, am I the only one who keeps reading McSpaced as MySpaced?

McSpaced=

McDonalds joke
McG ego-trip
Subconcious myspace connections

YOU DECIDE

[GorillaBearBear]

Yeah Black Books is mostly only saved by the actors in it being good. I always think the writing is pretty sub-standard stuff (haha he is a drunk LOL)

[FoxDhoj]

I think Spaced is one of the truly British sitcoms and would not lift above fucking awful if Americanised.

The IT Crowd could work I guess, Richard Ayoade (sp?) is a legend, but is better in Nathan Barley and The Mighty Boosh, and absolutely genius in Garth Marenghi's Darkplace.

Bloody Baby Cow (Steve Coogan) and their selling of rights. Should stick to BRITISH film, TV and radio comedy...

[Mat^]

Or will he? He's gone all Hollywood now anyway, with 2 US films in the pipeline - Scott Pilgrim and The Ant-Manoh that's pretty cool actually I couldn't imagine anyone else to do scott pilgrim really.

ant-man might be a bit weird though.

[MamboCat]

Yeah Black Books is mostly only saved by the actors in it being good. I always think the writing is pretty sub-standard stuff (haha he is a drunk LOL)

I liked their children's book! ;D

AND THEY ALL HAD LEMONADE!!!

[harwin101]

Did anyone else know that there going to american-ize the i.t crowd so no doubt that shall suck loads ltes face it it will just be like the office usa and they will just keep pluging out season after season after season!!!!! and it just wont be funny

[Mat^]

IT crowd could probably be improved with americanisation, don't get me wrong I enjoy the show, it's just that it could definately be...quicker?

And what was wrong with the office USA? It was for all intents and purposes the same show as the office UK, pretty much nothing changed but some character dynamics.

[harwin101]

no i mean i like the office usa but i think that it could have been good if they stopped it after seaon 2 i mean the 3rd season lost it a bit i mean i prefer the uk version that was a classic!!

[Disgruntledgoat]

US version of The Office was actually alright. It lost some of the awkardness, even though that was the point of humour in the British version, but was still ok.

I can't see McSpaced being any good really.

[Feawen]

I'm waiting for blueincapilot to come back and say 'wooow'.

Frasier is a good US comedy too... But I'd be a bit less pessimistic of this adaptation if they did do the proper thing and let Pegg and Stevenson into the process. And I can't imagine Tim being anyone but that bleached-blond scruffball =3