who wants to be a superhero...round 2

[Previsionary]

So, according to wikipedia (which is not the greatest source), the show should be back on the airwaves next week with quite a few changes. The winner is supposedly gonna get a toy made in their image (as will the season 1 finalist) and the characters are somehow placed in a fictional town...somehow...or other. So, is anyone gonna watch?

[The Hitman]

I am.

Yeah, July 25th or 26th- 9:00 PM EST. I've seen pics of the contestants this year, and I can proudly say... I don't think any of them should win.

[catwhowalksbyhimself]

I will if they put it online again.  But I must say, from what I've seen so far--none of them look like heroes I could take serious, or ones I want not to take seriously.  (I included the later category just for Major Victory.  Not a serious hero, but have to love him anyway.)

[Mr. Hamrick]

ugh!!

[RTTingle]

Really enjoyed the show...

... I thought it was going to be stupid as hell, but some parts of the show really surprised.  Some of my favorite moments were when that one fella' got kicked off after saying he was in it just for the money...  monkey girl actually changing costume in a tree... the real test of the crying girl... Stan Lee seeing how that one guy would make a much better villian than hero... the walking the plank switch.

Despite the silliness behind it all there were some truly interesting moments.  Shame Major Victory didn't make it as far as he should and Fat Momma did (?!?!)  But for what it was, it was a fun show and not as awful a thing as I initially thought.

At first glance, none of the characters grab me right away.  The one Mentor type fellow actually kinda rubs me wrong considering.  The gals are either very corny... or too Grace Jones like.  The one fella I'm actually interested in is the Defuser.

RTT

[Pyroclasm]

I just hope the majority of THESE super-hopefuls aren't actors.

[lugaru]

It looks a little lamer this time around but honestly I had no hope for last season and there I was GLUED to it, so history will probably repeat itself. I'll just PRETEND to not like it...

[catwhowalksbyhimself]

I just hope the majority of THESE super-hopefuls aren't actors.

In their defense, none of them were professional actors, although a large number were trying to become such, and likely joined the show out of an attempt to further their careers.  Their acting abilities, in turn, made them better candidates.

It is a fact, however, that many reality shows decide the characters they want on a show and then tap talent agencies to get them.  Whether or not this was done for this show (as wanna-be actors would still belong to agencies and could be told to show up at the auditions) I do not know.

Meanwhile, Major Victory has been hired to do an online aftershow for this season.

[Pyroclasm]

In their defense, none of them were professional actors, although a large number were trying to become such, and likely joined the show out of an attempt to further their careers.  Their acting abilities, in turn, made them better candidates.

7 out of 10 finalists had paid acting appearances prior to the airing of the super-hero show.  My wife had even recognized Steel Chambers aka Iron/Dark Enforcer from seeing him in movies.  They may not be "stars" but they do acting jobs, so whether or not they can be truly considered  "professional", we found that tainted the show.  We couldn't be sure if they were hamming it up for the camera as an acting audition.  If they are aspiring actors, it makes it really hard to believe their tears are genuine.  Heck, even one of our favorite contestants got dumped off because "she was using the show to further her acting career" & "lied about being an actress".
I want to see Average Joes with ZERO acting credits.

[zuludelta]

It is a fact, however, that many reality shows decide the characters they want on a show and then tap talent agencies to get them.

One of my female friends who works as a part-time model and actress has been on a couple of "reality" dating shows, and she got the gig via her agent. They even had an actual "hands on" director and get to do multiple takes for scenes, just like in any other scripted TV event.

[Ajax]

I want to see Average Joes with ZERO acting credits.

Granted I have only seen one reality show in my entire life (which was Who Wants to Be a Superhero), but I don't see the Average Joe thing working. One, people are universally uninteresting and put them together and you'll get something that will bomb. Second, you don't know what they will do in front of the camera, heck you don't even know if they will do anything in front of the camera. If you get actors and just put them infront of the camera, no script, just them, you are essentially getting a reality show. The only difference being you have someone who is comfortable infront of a camera. You'll probably get a more honest results than someone who is constantly aware of the cameras. I highly doubt it is scripted since the point of reality shows is to have something that is low budget, which means no scriptwriters and the everything that comes with them (editors/script checkers/timers/etc).

I'm not sure about this season, from the clips I've seen the "heroes" don't look that interesting. Oh well I'll give it a couple episodes, just to see.

[catwhowalksbyhimself]

7 out of 10 finalists had paid acting appearances prior to the airing of the super-hero show.

There's a big difference from managing to scrape out a few minor paid jobs while having to work a full time job to support yourself and being a full time actor.

I want to see Average Joes with ZERO acting credits.

I agree with you there.  Unfortunately, you're unlikely to find that on any reality show.  For some reason, it became more commonly known and discussed with this particular show.

If you get actors and just put them infront of the camera, no script, just them, you are essentially getting a reality show. The only difference being you have someone who is comfortable infront of a camera. You'll probably get a more honest results than someone who is constantly aware of the cameras.

Yep, which is part of the reason why actors end up on these shows, even if minor league, aspiring actors.  Sometimes they'll find ordinary folks that work alright, and they'll throw those in too.

[Sevenforce]

Big Brother.

I can't believe I sullied my mouth with such language, excuse me while I get the soap :(

[Pyroclasm]

I absolutely hated "Fat Momma" as a character.  (And pretty much disliked the woman)  The new lineup does seem to be filled with more "joke" characters.  While looking through the auditions, I saw some that actually looked like cool heroes and decent concepts rather than a mockery.  Is the new season gearing more to laugh at the concept of super=heroes rather than honoring it?

[RTTingle]

Heck, even one of our favorite contestants got dumped off because "she was using the show to further her acting career" & "lied about being an actress".

Is it possible, that others did list their previous acting credits, experience... whatever on the applications and did let the show know?  Maybe that was the issue, that she didn't.

Any matters... where do you draw the line for such experience in what you do allow... and don't?

Should we exclude someone because they acted in the high school play and were part of the drama club?

Should we exclude someone because they acted in the local theater? 

Should we exclude someone because they are a local personality?  Take that as a radio DJ... or even a TV show host for a wrestling show that aired only in they Key West area for a show that aired only 10 times... on a Spanish language station?

What about extras for movies?  For small local productions? 

See what I'm getting at?  Where do we draw the line?

Lets think about this too... how much media has exploded on the internet.  Look what people are doing over the internet... they're becoming DJ's and we're even seeing small productions produced just for the net by fans, etc.

Finally, the folks that do this... who do step forward... is there any surprise that they would have some kind of experience in drama, acting or whatever?  Think about it.  Theres a reason you don't see more people like the average joe getting up and doing this.  They simply don't do it.  You can't pick from people... who don't show up.  Maybe if more average joes showed up - instead of just talking or thinking about it (I'm guilty)... there would be more average joes.

From what I've heard, two cast members are City of Heroes players.

Average Joe enough for me.

RTT

[catwhowalksbyhimself]

Is it possible, that others did list their previous acting credits, experience... whatever on the applications and did let the show know?  Maybe that was the issue, that she didn't.

No, I think the issue was that it was dramatic and good television. Unlike the others, she actually mentioned her acting experience on-camera.  This provided a great opportunity for the drama of kicking her off.  Call me a cynic, but I'm positive that's the entire reason.  Stan Lee may be the face you see, but if you think he's really the one running the show, then you're buying their game hook line and sinker.  Actually, in the show itself, when Fat Momma was concerned about someone getting kicking off, notice that she doesn't appeal to Stan, she gets a producer and pleads with him to not allow the other guy to get kicked off.  There's a reason for that.

Any matters... where do you draw the line for such experience in what you do allow... and don't?

Should we exclude someone because they acted in the high school play and were part of the drama club?

Should we exclude someone because they acted in the local theater?

Should we exclude someone because they are a local personality?  Take that as a radio DJ... or even a TV show host for a wrestling show that aired only in they Key West area for a show that aired only 10 times... on a Spanish language station?

What about extras for movies?  For small local productions?

See what I'm getting at?  Where do we draw the line?

All good points, although I doubt there would be a controversy if it were only one or maybe two.

Finally, the folks that do this... who do step forward... is there any surprise that they would have some kind of experience in drama, acting or whatever?  Think about it.  Theres a reason you don't see more people like the average joe getting up and doing this.  They simply don't do it.  You can't pick from people... who don't show up.  Maybe if more average joes showed up - instead of just talking or thinking about it (I'm guilty)... there would be more average joes.

Exactly true.  Also, who's more likely to do better in auditions?  Mr. Stuttering Sam who has a fantastic superhero concept?  No, that's horrible television.

Part of the reason, too, that this is an issue here, is that this is not a show, that by it's nature requires actor and show types.  In those shows, it's expected, and therefore not thought about.  I mean shows like America's Got Talent or American Idol, where in order to do well, they HAVE to be showman types anyway.  You don't EXPECT to see ordinary joes.

[RTTingle]

--- putting this message where it belongs... heh.

Interesting note I just saw about the show.

Seems they won't be in a hide out in a real city.  They will be in a mock up city, something like Gotham.  Could be interesting.  I mean, I'm sure these people would be having a hard time of makings fools of themselves out in public out doing the challenges, while people walked around while heroes are among them doing heroic deeds and it looks distracting.  Kinda' killed some of the fun for mew.  The show was fun, but the halfass setup and execution left a lot to be desired for anything that was off the secret lair studio.

But a well staged villian appearance complete with speech of doom at some place in a controlled enviroment.  Could be lots of fun.


Well in regards to the last message, just remember reality shows are far from reality...

... case in point, the new Scott Baio show.  Not only does it suspiciously enough have a storyline (Will Scott learn his friend is the one ruining his life?) but it "costars" Jason Hervey, who is also coproducing the show along with his partner Erich Bischoff... who is best known in wrestling circles.

And using your own example of, America's Got Talent, they seem to be using ringers.  Some of the magicians on the show are fairly succesful and have been on many other shows.  It seems what they are doing is bringing in people to wow the crowd... and then having them take a dive with crappy performances to further highlight the "unknowns".

Shrugs.

In regards to humor being the highlight with some of the heroes... its possible... I mean... this is Stan Lee and well... all I need is 3 words to explain.

Howard
The
Duck

RTT

[catwhowalksbyhimself]

Seems they won't be in a hide out in a real city.  They will be in a mock up city, something like Gotham.  Could be interesting.  I mean, I'm sure these people would be having a hard time of makings fools of themselves out in public out doing the challenges, while people walked around while heroes are among them doing heroic deeds and it looks distracting.  Kinda' killed some of the fun for mew.  The show was fun, but the halfass setup and execution left a lot to be desired for anything that was off the secret lair studio.

A fake superheroic city--that's actually pretty promising.  Personally, I would consider that to be an improvement.  It would certainly make the whole thing less awkward.

And using your own example of, America's Got Talent, they seem to be using ringers.  Some of the magicians on the show are fairly succesful and have been on many other shows.  It seems what they are doing is bringing in people to wow the crowd... and then having them take a dive with crappy performances to further highlight the "unknowns".

Possible.  It is fairly well known that several of the groups for both seasons are already professional, but just not all that famous.  They don't make a secret of that, but I never thought of them taking falls for dramatic effect.  Hmmm.

[Pyroclasm]

I'm not talking about people who tried some acting in high school.  I'm talking about people who are currently working as actors.  The average annual salary for a SAG actor is less than $5,000.  They are "professional" but not "stars".  They might get a "soldier #1", "barmaid" or "vampire sister #2".  So, they tend to supplement their acting careers with other professions.  For any of the people to be declared as just "a computer guy", "real estate Agent", or "environmentalist" for example, is somewhat dishonest.  By using the same example, if they were to introduce a contestant by saying "he is an actor who used to be a stripper" or "she is an actress who also sells real estate", what kind of reaction would they get?  I'd say most people watching TV are oblivious to the background info you can find on the Net.  So such an introduction would probably garner a negative reaction, unless the producers specifically mentioned that the intent was "which aspiring actor could act the part of a hero" rather than "who of these regular people has what it takes to be a hero".
I enjoyed the show while it was on.  I didn't know about the actors until after it was over and we finally decided to look up Steel Chambers.  It was at that point that we weren't sure if what we had seen was any more real than a sitcom.
As another example, what if they had "star"-level actors?  Maybe say Vin Diesel?  Sure he is a geek.  He even plays D&D.  But would you believe him if his eyes start tearing as he addressed Stan Lee during a disqualification session?  Would you not believe him because you know he's an actor? or because you've seen him portray a tough guy so often?
Maybe the cutoff would be no SAG actors?

Oh, I'm not a hater.  I'll at least try the show.  I'm just trying to fuel discussion. ;)

[GhostMachine]

Season one had a few interesting characters, and I was happy that Feedback won. However, Fat Momma should have been eliminated before the finale. Especially since it took her well over 30 minutes to finish the challenge after everyone else in the next to last episode. I didn't like her personality and her gimmick was idiotic.

This season, however, from what I've seen and read, I don't really see anyone who stands out other than maybe The Defuser and most of the gimmicks stink. Ms. Limelight's gimmick is partially a rip-off of Feedback's (one of his powers was gaining abilities from video games; she gains powers from action movies), for one thing.

[catwhowalksbyhimself]

However, Fat Momma should have been eliminated before the finale. Especially since it took her well over 30 minutes to finish the challenge after everyone else in the next to last episode. I didn't like her personality and her gimmick was idiotic.

Which is the reason average people don't get picked much.  She was the only person there that I know was not an actor in any fashion.  Ordinary folks just don't do as well in front of the camera.

Anyhow, I just saw the first episode online.  I've got to say, although the hero concepts themselves are not impressive, the game is better.  They seem to follow to more story-based, villain-based format to the games.  It feels, at least to me, more like they are in a story and Stan is just judging how they are doing, not like random games to test certain things are being done to them.  It also seems like they possibly have a villain an episode, or at least more villains.  This is promising and give more of a superheroic feel.  I also like that they are doing more teamwork stuff.  They are more or less a superhero team, so I think this is fitting.

All in all it looks like they've done well.  At least so far.

[GhostMachine]

Well, I watched the episode and I have a few things to say about it.

[spoiler]I think Stan made the right call on who he called out for the elimination round. To me, it was a tossup between the Braid and Mr. Mitzvah for who should have been kicked off. Mr. Mitzvah had a very cynical view of the victim when he gave Stan his explanation and acted like a jerk when interviewing the guy. I'll be VERY surprised if he makes it to the second half of the show, let alone the final round, if he keeps that kind of attitude.

It'll take another episode or two for me to figure out who I like and don't like (except I'm already leaning toward throwing Mr. Mitzvah on my `don't like' list, and I'm still trying to figure out if Ms. Limelight is an air-head or just perky-goofy.....), but I will say this: Ms. Limelight's powers are a partial rip-off of Feedback's, so I'll be VERY surprised if she wins. (One of Feedback's powers lets him gain abilities from video games; Ms. Limelight gains powers from action movies)[/spoiler]

[bredon7777]

Oh, Mr. Mitzvah is definitley on my "do not like" list.  As is Pantheon (though I like the character, the guy behind him is as annoying as all get out), and the Defuser (who looked embarssed as opposed to honored that hed been chosen).

Theres no one that was an instant favorite, as Monkey Woman was for me last year.  In fact, all in all, I'd say it's a much weaker group of heroes.

[Panther_Gunn]

In fact, all in all, I'd say it's a much weaker group of heroes.

Sounds like Stan is trying to fill out the ranks of the Great Lakes Avengers.  :lol:

[The Hitman]

Sounds like Stan is trying to fill out the ranks of the Great Lakes Avengers.  :lol:

HAH! Good one!

I dunno... I think Mr. Mitzah is this season's "plant," like Iron Enforcer was last season. Parthenon has the best character, but I just can't see myself liking the guy. Defuser's my pick for the winner.

Oh, did anyone notice that the "Superhero After Show" on Scifi' Pulse is hosted by Feedback now, not Major Victory? I wonder what happened...

[Previsionary]

despite being the creator of this topic, I...um...missed the whole episode except the elimination so...if it comes on today or happens to be online...I *might* give it a quick checkout.

[catwhowalksbyhimself]

Oh, did anyone notice that the "Superhero After Show" on Scifi' Pulse is hosted by Feedback now, not Major Victory? I wonder what happened...

That's actually my fault.  I think it was Feedback all along, I just posted the wrong name.

I dunno... I think Mr. Mitzah is this season's "plant," like Iron Enforcer was last season. Parthenon has the best character, but I just can't see myself liking the guy. Defuser's my pick for the winner.

Mr. Mitzvah is actually just a version of a well established character called Peace Man that the guy playing Mitzvah has been doing for years.  He changed the concept slightly because he didn't want to lose the rights to the original character.  While he is a multi-milionaire like the show says, he apparently got that money through show business.  A musician and performer, apparently.

despite being the creator of this topic, I...um...missed the whole episode except the elimination so...if it comes on today or happens to be online...I *might* give it a quick checkout.

Watch it online.  That's what I did.

[Humble Guy]

Hi folks,

Just wanted to drop in to tell Hitman that I still appreciate his creating my character's costume.  I actually did the research to find out how much it would cost to make my costume.  Unfortunately, to do it right would mean a few thousand dollars.  So, I apologize for not making you famous on "Who wants to be a superhero."  (Yet.)   

Seriously, I think I would be completely embarrassed to have my character interacting with the likes of Hygenia.  I 'd certainly portray my character in a "serious" manner, as were the characters of Feedback and Major Victory. Certainly I'd throw in some humor, depending on the situation and scripting of course but I was hoping to see the hero genre given a little more respect this season.  It gives me pause when considering auditioning in the future. Can you imagine going all out with a costume and fleshed out character back story and monologue, only to have the actor who plays the Maytag repairman get the part as Mr. Fixit?  I thought the best line in the opening episode was by one of the actors who didn't make it. In his audition "Homeless Man" proclaimed that his power was the ability to imagine he could fly. (Funny.) When Stan Lee made a positive comment, Homeless Man responded with: " Thank you, Giant Floating Head." (Hilarious!) The character had poignant potential. I could imagine him making a vow to sleep outside the Lair in solidarity with all the homeless until his nemesis Poverty was finally defeated. Humorous but giving the homeless the dignity they deserve. I was hoping for more depth of character this season. Maybe next year...       

[The Hitman]

Heh, yeah Homeless Man was the best one to not get picked.

And I'm just glad you liked the design, HG. Hey, start saving now, and maybe I'll see you at the auditions next year. Yep, next year, I'm going to try out for the show.