_____ ______ ._ `\`/>`\ /`/` /`__________,.'>___ _____ )~\ /<`\ `\ /`/` /``\ \./------> /|\./\ |\./| / | \ /< `\`\ `\ /`/` /` | | |----\ / | |\ \ | | |././^\ \ |\__{o}\--`\`\ `\/`/` /`-----| | |-----`------\`\`\--| | |----^ \ \----. [\\\\\\\{*}==`> <`=======| | ==============`\`\`\| | |=====\ \ \==--> |/~~{o}/-- /`/ /\ \ `\------| | |---------------`\`\\ | |------\ \ \--' \< /`/` /` `\`\ `\ | | |_____,.'>| | | `\`\| | /' \ \ \ \< /` /` `\`\ `\ ,/ /^\------> / |/^\| \ | |/ \/^\\. /`/\>/` `\`\ `\`~~~~~~~~~~~\ / ~~~~~ )^\,\, '~~~~~ `~~~~~` '~~~~~` ` ~~~~~~ ========================== XENA: THE MEDIA REVIEW #08 ========================== http://www.teleport.com/~gater/IAXS.html c/o RIF BBS, P.O. Box 81181, Bakersfield, CA 93308 RIF BBS (805) 588-9349 [24hrs, 14.4bps, free] 143 subscribers and growing! This document has 954 lines. Xena Media Review (XMR) is a periodic annotated review of mainstream media reports found in electronic form regarding the syndicated television show Xena: Warrior Princess (1995 - ) and the castmembers, Lucy Lawless and Renee O'Connor. For a free e- mail subscription send "subscribe XMR" to ktaborn@lightspeed.net. Copyright, legal, and editorial notices are found at the end of this newsletter. Issue No. 08 Release date: May 24, 1996 Covering 10-06-95 through 10-27-95 Annotations #055 through #065f ** [055a] 10-06-95. HOLLYWOOD REPORTER. Ratings for Dreamworker ** [055b] 10-06-95. DAILY VARIETY. ditto. [055c] 10-09-95. VARIETY. same as XMR055b [055d] 10-06-95. DAILY VARIETY. same as XMR055d [055f] 09-16-95. HOUSTON CHRONICLE. Local "Chariots" ratings [056] 10-06-95. DENVER POST. Nominal mention * [057] 10-09-95. VARIETY. About filming in New Zealand. Nominal [058] 10-09-95. ELECTRONIC MEDIA. Nominal mention * [059] 10-13-95. PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS. Raimi information ** [060a] 10-13-95. DAILY VARIETY. Ratings for Cradle of Hope [060b] 10-16-95. VARIETY. Reprint of XMR:060a. [061] 10-16-95. ELECTRONIC MEDIA. Minor mention in MCA story [062] 10-16-95. DAILY VARIETY. Minor mention in MCA story * [063] 10-19-95. DAILY VARIETY. Mention in producer story. ** [064a] 10-20-95. HOLLYWOOD REPORTER. Ratings for "Path" ** [064b] 10-20-95. DAILY VARIETY. Ratings for "Path" [064c] 10-23-95. VARIETY. same as XMR:064b [064d] 10-23-95. BRANDWEEK. same as XMR064f [064e] 10-23-95. ADWEEK. same as XMR064d. ** [064f] 10-23-96. VARIETY. Ratimgs for "Path Not Taken" [065] 10-22-95. NEW YORK TIMES. Nominal mention [066] 10-23-95. VARIETY. Nominal mention ***[067] 10-24-95. PR NEWSWIRE. Press release for "Prometheus" ** [068a] 10-27-95. HOLLYWOOD REPORTR. Ratings "Warrior Princess" ** [068b] 10-30-95. DAILY VARIETY. ditto. [068c] 10-30-95. DAILY VARIETY. ditto. [068d] 10-30-95. VARIETY. Same chart as XMR068b [068e] 10-30-95. VARIETY. Same as XMR068c. [068f] 10-30-95. BRANDWEEK. Ratings for "Warrior Princess" ------------- Introduction: ------------- In the last issue of XMR I discussed the "summer" issues. One of the summer issues has turned into it's own magazine! It's in development and I must admit I am looking quite forward to it. It will require more work for one mortal to do, so I have drafted two co-editors to work on the project. The magazine's working title is "Whoosh". The final name will probably be something dull like "Guide to Xena: Warrior Princess", even though I think "Whoosh" captures the spirit of what I want it to be. I envision the newsletter as a semi-regular release which will highlight at least one episode (maybe more) of Xena: Warrior Princess. I want to include debate, commentary, analysis, humor, parody, news, interviews, etc. At the core of the issue will be an attempt to analyze the heck out of a specific episode. If anyone is interested in this project, please feel free to contact me. I am also looking for submissions and concepts. I plan to cover the episodes chronologically as they were aired. The first issue will be about H:TLJ's "Warrior Princess". This is your opportunity to get into a worldwide project at the very beginning. XWP has been renewed for 2 years and will be released in Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom next fall. The world is our oyster. I will be in Minneapolis and Milwaukee in early August. When traveling I usually like to meet with readers. If you are interested in meeting with me, just holler. Maybe something can be arranged. I may also be in San Jose for a couple of days in mid-July. No dates yet, but I will keep interested parties posted. Now I will discuss this issue. What can I say, it's a slow one. The best stuff is the Prometheus press release. I find ratings fascinating, but I realize it's not everyone's cup of tea. Next week things will start to hop a tad, with some Xena articles, and others about Nick Kokotakis (the Trojan pacifist who wanted Xena to raise his kids in "Chariots"), Renee O'Connor (they loooove her in Texas), and Sam Raimi, the executive producer. For those who are impatient, I apologize for starting at the beginning of my survey. However, one of my legal justifications for this project is that it's a complete review...the boring stuff along with the exciting stuff -- just like real academia. Bear with me. At the rate I am going, the newsstories from this week will be in XMR #16. That averages out a month an issue. That also means we would catch up sometime in September or October, right when the new season starts. Perfect timing, if you ask me. At that time, if I am still doing it, then I will release XMR as the number of stories reach a certain size. The newsletter will not be released for the three weeks I will be traveling in the midwest (August), however, I will probably catch up (the story of my life) either before I leave or after. I apoligize for any mistakes in this newsletter. I am not proofreading it this time around because I want to get it out! Now! You can live with it. Enjoy! ---Kym -------- TIMELINE -------- [with corrected ratings] "SINS OF THE PAST". Release date: 09/04/95. Episode #1. Share: 1st release: 4.5; 2nd release 5.9. Synopsis given in XMR #06 "CHARIOTS OF WAR". Release date: 09/11/95. Episode #2. Share: 1st release: 4.4 (20th, 3rd place); 2nd release: 5.4. Synopsis given in XMR #07. "DREAMWORKER". Release date: 09/18/95. Episode #3. Share: 1st release: 4.5 (19th, 3rd); 2nd release: 4.7. Synopsis given in XMR #07. "CRADLE OF HOPE". Release date: 09/25/95. Episode #4. Share: 1st showing: 4.4; 2nd showing: 4.9. Synopsis given in XMR #07. "THE PATH NOT TAKEN". Release date: 10/02/95. Episode #5. Share: 1st showing: 5.5 (11th, 2nd place); 2nd showing: 5.3 (1st place for one hour syndicated dramas). Synopsis: In order to rescue a maiden in distress (kidnapped by a warlord), Xena infiltrates a warlord's camp and meets up with an old flame, Marcus. Xena tries to seduce Marcus to the Force, and she is successful. Unfortunately, Marcus is killed during his epiphany. Xena is deeply disturbed and sings the dirge at Marcus' funeral. Xena confides to Gabrielle that Marcus was her friend. The level of devotion Marcus and Xena had/have for each other is explored in "Mortal Beloved", episode number 16. "THE WARRIOR PRINCESS". Release date (3rd showing): 10/09/95. [Showings as Hercules: The Legendary Journeys: 1st, 03/13/95; 2nd 06/26/95]. This was shown as a special encore showing of a Hercules episode in Xena's timeslot. Share: 3rd release: 4.8 (16th, 4th). Synopsis: This is it! Our first introduction to Xena: Warrior Princess. Herc and Iolaus make a splendid knife, which Herc gives to Iolaus as a token of their friendship. Bad move, Herc. While playing with it, Iolaus discovers an old flame got married. This flings Iolaus into depression. Herc then goes off to build a wall for his mother. Second bad move, Herc. Meanwhile back at the camp, the Evil Xena trains her men in order to further her evil plan to kill Hercules. She beats her loyal minions to a pulp and calls them pathetic. What a woman. No doubt, they begged for more. In the course of the episode it is s-l-o-w-l-y revealed that Xena has hatched an incredibly contrived plan to become Iolaus' lover in order to use Iolaus to bait Hercules and/or kill him (it's a win-win situation). Iolaus falls for phase one and goes off with the evil Xena. Herc does not stop him. Third bad move, Herc. Xena then gives one of her boytoy warriors her "medallion" and tells him to kill Hercules, knowing full well that he will fail and cause Hercules to follow Iolaus to her camp once Herc discovers the medallion. This warrior princess IS evil and quite the plotmistress. Hercules falls for the bait, and against his mother's wishes goes to Xena's camp! This could have been the fourth bad move, but wasn't because Herc KNEW it was a bad move, but did it anyway. He's really fond of Iolaus. To make a long story short (skipping Iolaus' thoughtless dropping of Herc's splendid knife at a scene of carnage and Xena's use of another disposible boytoy warrior), Xena POISONS Iolaus' simple mind (it's very obvious that it wasn't difficult to accomplish) and gets Herc and Iolaus beating each other up. When Herc decides NOT to kill Iolaus, Iolaus gets all mushy and Xena gets nervous. As Herc and Iolaus start tearing up the camp like the good old days when they were best buds, Xena jumps on her horse and gives the boys a look of 'You haven't seen the last of me..you...you...guys!.' She rides off to her future which included a future two-parter on Hercules: The Legendary Journeys and her very own show. That was one triumphant evil warrior princess. ----------- ANNOTATIONS ----------- [055] 10-06-95 through 10-09-95 NOTE: The confusion behind the re-calculation of the ratings for "Sins of the Past" and the delay of some ratings, caused the release of the new ratings for "Sins" along with the current ratings for the third episode "Dreamworker." XWP "Dreamworker" was released 9/18/95. The audience share was released 10/06/95 in both The Hollywood Reporter and the Varietys. "Dreamworker" received a strong 4.5 share. XWP was ranked 3rd of syndicated action hours and 19th in syndicated shows overall. The previous show, "Chariots of War", received a 4.4 rating and was ranked 20th. By this time, XWP was rated 3rd highest hour syndicated drama in the USA. [055a] 10-06-95 THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER. 348 words. COMMENTARY: Standard blurb reporting the ratings. Episode is "Dreamworker." and it actually tied for 19th place, and not 20th. EXCERPT: The A.C. Nielsen syndication rankings published Thursday...for the week of Sept. 18-24... ...In other syndication news, MCA TV's "Xena: Warrior Princess" posted a strong 4.5 rating in the No. 20 slot, leading MGM Television's "The Outer Limits' " two-hour syndication bow, which garnered a strong 4.4 rating in the No. 22 slot... [055b] 10-06-95 DAILY VARIETY. NEWS; Pg. 6. 750 words. "'Seinfeld' sees 'Home' in distance" By JIM BENSON. COMMENTARY: This is the announcement covering the re- calculated "Sins of the past" (episode one) ratings. EXCERPT: ...In the second week of the new season for most syndicated shows... ...Elsewhere, MCA TV's new "Xena: Warrior Princess" entered her weekly realm with a third-place 4.5 rating after her debut numbers were reprocessed. Appearing on 199 stations with 96% coverage, "Xena" ran behind her MCA companion "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys" (up 6% to 5.7) and Paramount's "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" (ahead 14% to a second-place 5.6 finish with a rerun). 'Limits' limited A two-hour premiere special of MGM's "Outer Limits" finished just behind "Xena" with a 4.4, taking control of the vertical and horizontal holds in 208 TV markets covering 92% of the twilight zone... [055c] 10-09-95 VARIETY. TELEVISION; Pg. 26. 752 words. "'Home' strip rules roost; 'Seinfeld,''Simpsons' split" By JIM BENSON COMMENTARY: Reprint of XMR:055b regarding "Sins of the Past", the first aired episode of XWP. [055d] 10-06-95 DAILY VARIETY. 165 words. "For week ended Sept. 24, 1995" COMMENTARY: Dreamworker REPRINT: #Rank Program (Stations/% coverage) AA% GAA% 1 Wheel of Fortune (230/99) 11.8 -- 2 Jeopardy! (223/99) 9.4 -- 3 Home Improvement (219/97) 8.4 9.2 4 Oprah Winfrey Show (237/99) 7.4 7.4 5 Entertainment Tonight (171/94) 6.4 6.6 6 Seinfeld (215/96) 6.2 -- 7 Simpsons (184/95) 6.1 6.1 8 Home Improvement--Wknd. (205/93) 5.9 -- 9 Journeys of Hercules (225/98) 5.7 5.9 10 Buena Vista I (157/97) 5.6 5.8 10 Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (233/99) 5.6 5.9 12 Inside Edition (168/94) 5.4 5.5 13 WCW Wrestling (179/93) 5.3 7.2 14 Wheel of Fortune--Wknd. (154/71) 5.1 -- 15 Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (157/88) 5.0 5.4 16 Hard Copy (170/91) 4.9 4.9 16 Roseanne (171/91) 4.9 4.9 16 World Wrestling Fed. PR. (164/90) 4.9 5.9 19 Married ... With Children (177/93) 4.5 4.6 19 Xena (199/96) 4.5 4.8 AA average refers to nonduplicated viewing for multiple airings of the same show. GAA average encompasses duplicated viewing. GAA average does not apply when there is only one run of a show. [055e] 10-09-95 VARIETY. TELEVISION; Pg. 26. 190 words. "NIELSEN SYNDICATION RATINGS" COMMENTARY: Same chart as in XMR055d. Episode: Dreamworker. [055f] 09-16-95 THE HOUSTON CHRONICLE. HOUSTON. Pg. 6. 701 words. "Viewers get country treats this weekend" By MIKE McDANIEL COMMENTARY: Because of the various markets that must be tallied, the ratings come out after a few weeks. However, local ratings can be released usually within a day or two. This concerns the episode "Chariots of War". EXCERPT: ...Over on Channel 39, the syndicated ''Hercules'' and its sister series, ''Xena,'' had identical 4.4 ratings and 7 shares Thursday. A fresh episode of ''New York Undercover'' won the 8 p.m. ... [56] 10-06-95 THE DENVER POST. Sports. Pg. C2. 291 words. "Wanted: Channel for Ballgame" By Todd Phipers COMMENTARY: Finally, Xena hits the sports page. The article nominally mentions XWP in connection with the all too painful preemption of XWP when a sports event goes into the play-offs or overtime. EXCERPT: ...The logical candidate is Channel 2, the regular-season home of the Rockies, which - at the risk of offending the celluloid gods - could easily broom "Xena: Warrior Princess" and "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys" to accommodate a baseball game that would do huge ratings. But with the Rockies just a game from elimination in the best-of-five series, the conflict likely will be moot by Sunday... [57] 10-09-95 VARIETY. Special Report: Spotlight: New Zealand. Pg. 48. 585 words. "Filmers pinpoint island godsend" By Don Groves. COMMENTARY: This article explains how New Zealand has become a Mecca for off-shore production companies. Minor mentions, but the article offers insight into the production aspects of the show and how filming in New Zealand affects it. XWP is mentioned once; Xena three times, and Ms. Lawless once. EXCERPT: It's a fair bet that few Americans watching the syndicated series "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys" and its spinoff, "Xena: The Warrior Princess," realize that both are shot in studios and locations around Auckland. Neither show has an identifiable setting, and while both feature a lot of New Zealand actors (including Lucy Lawless as Xena), they're schooled to speak in Southern California accents. Both series (from Sam Raimi and Robert Tapert's outfit, Pacific Renaissance, for MCA-TV) are a godsend to the Kiwi economy and to its actors, technicians and production services. Each employs a crew of 200, all recruited locally, with mostly U.S. directors. By the time the second season of "Hercules" (22 hourlong segs) and the first of "Xena" (also 22 episodes) wrap early next year, it's estimated that during their lifetimes both productions will have spent a total of $ 100 million in New Zealand. A third series of "Hercules" is a sure thing, while the chances of "Xena" being renewed hinge on its U.S. ratings. The newly launched locations office, Film New Zealand, aims to attract more offshore production and to provide a focal point to field overseas inquiries and disseminate information. Run by Di Oliver, a seasoned producer, FNZ is headquartered in the same Wellington building that houses the New Zealand Film Commission. The office is funded jointly by private industry and Tradenz, the government's export promotion agency. "It's an important develop-ment for the industry," says Bruce McArthur, manager of the Auckland-based lab Atlab, one of two in the country, which is processing the two MCA adventure series. "We believe the local industry is too small to support two laboratories, so we need to enlarge the production base," he adds... ...The lion's share of processing Kiwi feature films goes to the Wellington-based National Film Unit, part of Television New Zealand's Avalon Studios complex. The NFU currently is servicing Peter Jackson's "The Frighteners" and the $ 6 million TV series "Enid Blyton's Adventure" (a co-prod between England's Cloud 9 and Avalon's Kotoku Prods.). NFU sound manager John Neill says the "production industry is more buoyant now than it's been for 10 years. The last two years are the best we've had." Avalon housed the second series of kidseries "Johnson & Friends," produced by Film Australia for the Fox Children's Network. Rod Cornelius, Avalon's acting managing director, says the studios also are working on other projects. One of Auckland's most active producers, Isambard Prods., increasingly is turning its attention to international co-productions. Isambard is developing "Deepwater Black," a sci-fi series, with Warner Bros. Intl. Television, Canada's Empire Entertainment and TVNZ. Production is due to start in New Zealand in January. "Johnny Go Lightly," a private-eye series is in the works at Isambard as a co-production with British and Canadian partners. "Misty," a feature film, is planned as a co-production with Hong Kong's Golden Harbor Prods. Wellington producer Dave Gibson is overseeing a big TV slate, including "Mirror, Mirror," a children's series co-produced with Australia's Millenium Pictures, fielded internationally by Alliance; "Coverstory," a drama for TV3; and a comedy series and arts magazine... [58] 10-09-95 ELECTRONIC MEDIA. Special Report; Pg. 30. 2822 words. "Electronic Media International; Mipcom Product Listings (Part 3/5)" COMMENTARY: A pithier version of XMR:054. EXCERPT: ...MCA TV International Universal City, California... ...''Xena: Warrior Princess,'' 22 hours of an action-adventure series... [59] 10-13-95 PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS. Features. Pg.70. 779 Words. "Raimi Oversees Evil in 'American Gothic'" By Mark de la Vina COMMENTARY: Reprinted in full because of the indepth coverage of producer Sam Raimi. Nominal mention of XWP, but good coverage of the man behind the myth. REPRINT: When CBS announced it was coming out with a horror show produced by former ''Hardy Boy" Shaun Cassidy, most TV critics responded with the appropriate snicker. How could a former teen idol who remade the pop hit "Da Doo Ron Ron" know anything about scary? Joey Lawrence might as well plan a big-screen redux of ''Psycho" where Norman Bates says "Whoa!" before each knifing. However, the doubts dissipated when it was revealed the executive producer of this new show, "American Gothic," was Sam Raimi, the director whose ''Evil Dead" movies are among the scariest, most entertaining horror films around. Not only is Raimi recognized for his ability to scare the sweat off viewers' brows, but he has directed such movies as "Darkman" and "The Quick and the Dead," purely entertaining features spun with a sense of fun not often found outside the pages of comic books. So when he approached CBS last year about putting together a horror show, the network was receptive - provided he could coexist with Cassidy. "They said they'd make a horror show with me, but it had to star a little kid and it couldn't be an anthology," said Raimi, 35, who was sitting at home editing a future "American Gothic" while caring for his feverish infant son. ''And I wanted it so that these characters returned to a horror setting each week. "I didn't really have any prejudices about working with Shaun Cassidy because I didn't really know much about him. I had forgotten that he was even a rock star. I knew he was a 'Hardy Boy.' They just told me that he had some acting experience. I thought that was a plus." After their first development meeting at Universal - the show is distributed by parent company MCA - Cassidy came back to Raimi with a story outline. "He wrote the outline for 'American Gothic' and named it that and presented it to me," Raimi said. "And I thought it was great, exactly what I wanted. "We made some changes, as you do in any development situation. It was a little more wild with dwarfs living under bridges and a couple that every week wanted to kill their mother-in-law. We decided to just take it on the straight and narrow." That's if your straight and narrow includes flesh-eating beetles, a ghost and a murderous town sheriff who's the Antichrist of law enforcement. Entrenched in his "American Gothic" duties, Raimi oversees the editing, the casting and the selection of writers and directors. His influence is apparent in more than just the feel and look of the show. "Right now, I'm working on an episode called 'Meet the Beetles' and it guest-stars Bruce Campbell, an old buddy of mine who I directed in the 'Evil Dead' movies," Raimi said of the former star of "Brisco County Jr." "He plays the meat. Actually, he's a lieutenant of the state police who comes to the city of Trinity to investigate some things he's heard about sheriff Lucas Buck (Gary Cole)." Raimi, also the executive producer of the syndicated series "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys" and its spinoff "Xena: Warrior Princess," views producion work as a way to spend more time with his son. And once "American Gothic" wraps up its first season, he'll spend the break between seasons working on movie projects. Plans are under way for Raimi to act as executive producer on the American debut of Hong Kong director Ronnie Yu ("Bride with White Hair"), the political thriller "Executive Sanction." And he'll head back to the director's chair for the film version of "Frosty the Snowman," a movie that will use computer animation to make the title character come to life. "I would like to make a family picture because I've never done anything like this before," he said. "I want to make something that is uplifting and leaves the audience feeling really good rather than trying to freak them out all the time." For now, "American Gothic" is hogging the front burners, which means that ''uplifting" will have to take a number and get in line. "We're still trying to secure the audience on this one," Raimi said, "so were really trying to make 'American Gothic' as smart as we can, given our limited intelligence." [60] 10-13-95 through 10-16-95 NOTE: The Daily Variety first ran this article then it was reprinted in the weekly edition of Variety. It concerned the audience share of the third broadcasted episode of XWP: "Cradle of Hope." XWP audience share went down to it's lowest to date: 5th place in hour syndicated dramas. [60a] 10-13-95 DAILY VARIETY. News. Pg. 6. 647 words. "Trial Tribulations Absorbed; Syndies take hits from O.J." By Joe Flint COMMENTARY: "Cradle of Hope" EXCERPT: Once again, syndicated shows were victims of O.J. Simpson as closing arguments in the trial led to low ratings and in some cases preemptions for the week ending Oct. 1.... ...MCA's "Xena: Warrior Princess" was in fifth with a 4.4, a 2% drop from a 4.5%. Xena's companion "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys" was knocked out of first place by Paramount's "Star Trek: Deep Space 9.""Hercules" was punished with an 11% drop to 5.1 from a 5.7 while "Deep Space" went to the top while losing 4% from a 5.6 to a 5.4... [60b] 10-16-95 VARIETY. Television; Pg. 31. 684 words. "One last time: O.J. drains syndie juice" by Joe Flint COMMENTARY: Same information as XMR060a. [61] 10-16-95 ELECTRONIC MEDIA. People; Pg. 40. 267 words. "Greg Meidel New Chief of MCA TV" by Thomas Tyrer. COMMENTARY: Minor mention of XWP as a MCA property. Reprinted in full due to size and back ground info regarding MCA. REPRINT: LOS ANGELES-Greg Meidel, president and chief operating officer of Twentieth Television, was named chairman of the MCA Television Group on Friday, replacing Tom Wertheimer, who resigned last month. Mr. Meidel will be responsible for the studio's television production and distribution activities. ''I am pleased that Greg is joining MCA to lead this very important area of our business,'' said Ron Meyer, president and CEO of MCA Inc. MCA has recently made moves to become more of a force in television production and distribution. It produces ''American Gothic'' for CBS and ''Partners'' for Fox. In syndication, its projects include ''Hercules: The Legendary Journeys,'' ''Xena: Warrior Princess'' and the new ''He Says, She Says.'' ''I'm extremely excited to be joining Ron Meyer and his team in leading MCA/Universal into the next century,'' Mr. Meidel said. ''The opportunity to expand production and worldwide distribution has never been greater, and I am looking forward to growing these businesses in my new position.'' MCA is owned by The Seagram Co., which also owns a stake in Time Warner. Greg Meidel is replacing Tom Wertheimer. [62] 10-16-95 DAILY VARIETY. News. Pg. 1. 654 words. "Meidel confirmed as MCA TV Group topper" by Brian Lowry and Joe Flint. COMMENTARY: More news on Meidel's assumption of the chairmanship of MCA. Nominal mention. EXCERPT: ...He added that his priorities will be to add to the studio's existing successes in action hours (MCA distributes the firstrun "Hercules"-"Xena" block) and bolster its presence in comedy... [63] 10-19-95 DAILY VARIETY. The Backlot. 1154 words. "Dish; Miller loses 'Contact'; studios savor Savoy slate" COMMENTARY: In a review of the current players in the entertainment industry, producers Rob Tappert and Sam Raimi are mentioned. Nominal mention of XWP. EXCERPT: ...WHOLE NEW DEAL? Partners Rob Tapert and Sam Raimi might well be ankling Universal after eight years of TV and movie involvement. The duo's company, Renaissance, has three U series on the air, "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys,"" Xena, Warrior Princess" and "American Gothic."... [64] 10-20-95 through 10-23-95 NOTE: It's the weekly numbers! Episode was "The Path Not Taken", the fifth released episode. This was the introduction of Xena's "immortal beloved" Marcus. The Daily Variety first ran this article then it was reprinted in the weekly edition of Variety. This is the first time Xena reached the #2 spot for hour long syndicated dramas. In over all syndicated shows, Xena almost made the top ten with an 11 ranking. [64a] 10-20-95 THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER. 314 words. By Jonathan Davies. COMMENTARY: EXCERPT: The Path Not Taken ...according to A.C. Nielsen Co. data for Oct. 2-8.... ...On the weekly action-hour front, MCA's "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys" (No. 10, 5.6) and its spinoff "Xena: Warrior Princess" (No. 11, 5.5) climbed 10 percent and 25 percent, respectively, to capture the top two spots for the genre on the week's chart.... [64b] 10-20-95 DAILY VARIETY. NEWS; Pg. 7. 666 words. "O.J. plays havoc with syndie mags" By Jim Benson. COMMENTARY: More on the weekly numbers. The Path Not Taken EXCERPT: ...during the week ended Oct. 8... ...Weekly winners On the weekly front, MCA TV's "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys" (up 10% to 5.6) and its companion "Xena: Warrior Princess" (rising 25% to 5.5) were No. 1 and No. 2. "Hercules" and "Xena" fought off a rerun of Par's "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" (down 2% to 5.3) and All American's "Baywatch" (down 2% to 4.8, off 30% from last year's 6.9)... [64c] 10-23-95 VARIETY. Special Supplement to Variety; Pg. 25. 421 words. "Syndie magazines bask in aftermath of O.J. trial." by Jim Benson. COMMENTARY: Reprinted the first paragraph of XMR:064b and added a ranking chart. [64d] 10-23-95 BRANDWEEK [formerly Adweek Marketing Week]; Pg. C1; 1742 words. "Culture Trends" COMMENTARY: Same ranking as XMR064f, however WWF #8 in XMR064f is removed, thus making XWP number 10. EXCERPT: ...NIELSEN'S TOP 10 SYNDICATED PROGRAMS Here are the top 10 syndicated programs for the week ending October 8th. Rank Program Rating Stations Coverage 1 Wheel Of Fortune--Syn 10.7 221 93 2 Jeopardy 9.0 219 94 3 Oprah Winfrey Show 8.8 235 98 4 Home Improvement--Syn 8.2 216 96 5 Entertainment Tonight 7.0 165 91 6 Inside Edition 6.1 162 91 6 Seinfeld--Syn 6.1 214 98 8 Simpsons--Syn 5.7 184 95 9 Hercules, Journeys of 5.6 229 98 10 Xena 5.5 198 96 Source: A.C. Nielsen Company AV = Additional Viewing S = Special... [64e] 10-23-95 ADWEEK (Eastern Edition Midwest Edition Western). Advertising News Edition. Pg. C1; 1742 words. "Culture Trends" COMMENTARY: Identical to XMR064d. [64f] 10-23-96 VARIETY. "Special Supplement to Variety" Pg. 25. 445 words. "Nielsen Syndication Ratings" COMMENTARY: Path Not Taken REPRINT: For week ended Oct. 8, 1995 Stations/ Rank Program % coverage AA% GAA % 1. Wheel of Fortune 221/93 10.7 -- 2 Jeopardy! 219/94 9.0 -- 3 Oprah Winfrey Show 235/98 8.8 8.8 4 Home Improvement 216/96 8.2 8.8 5 Entertainment Tonight 165/91 7.0 7.0 6 Inside Edition 162/91 6.1 6.2 6 Seinfeld 214/98 6.1 -- 8 WCW Wrestling 166/93 5.8 8.8 9 Simpsons 184/95 5.7 5.7 10 Journeys of Hercules 229/98 5.6 5.8 11 Xena 198/96 5.5 5.8 12 Star Trek: Deep Space Nine 229/97 5.3 5.4 13 Fresh Prince of Bel-Air 157/89 5.0 5.4 13 Hard Copy 162/88 5.0 5.0 15 World Wrestling Fed. PR. 162/89 4.9 5.9 16 Baywatch 210/95 4.8 5.0 16 Home Improvement-Wknd. 185/91 4.8 -- 18 Roseanne 168/92 4.7 4.8 19 Ricki Lake 220/97 4.5 4.6 20 Jenny Jones Show (P) 207/96 4.4 4.6 20 Regis & Kathie Lee Live 232/99 4.4 -- AA average refers to nonduplicated viewing for multiple airings of the same show. GAA average encompasses duplicated viewing. GAA average does not apply when there is only one run of a show. [65] 10-22-95 THE NEW YORK TIMES. Section 2; Page 37; 1301 words. "'American Gothic' Settles In on the Dark Side" By Justine Elias. COMMENTARY: An article about "American Gothic", another Renaissance Pictures Production with Universal/MCA. XWP is nominally mentioned. EXCERPT: ...Mr. Raimi, who is best known for writing and directing the three "Evil Dead" movies, was more earnest in his description of the Devil's hometown: "Trinity is sweet and inviting on the surface, but there is a terrible malignance and evil here."... ...Whatever their overall reaction, many of the critics have seized on the scene in which Sheriff Buck, played by Gary Cole ("Midnight Caller"), whistles the theme song of "The Andy Griffith Show" before stabbing an inmate at the town jail. It's a sly, menacing moment that seems like something out of one of Mr. Raimi's movies, all of which have titles with the word "dead" or "dark" in them. Yet it was Mr. Cassidy, not Mr. Raimi, who wrote the pilot. And "American Gothic" is actually Mr. Cassidy's second shot at creating a network series; his first was "Over My Dead Body," a CBS detective drama that lasted one season. He also wrote "Strays," a horror movie on the USA cable channel about a gang of territorial felines... ...Though horror and supernatural series are rare for network television, Mr. Cassidy, a contract writer at Universal, knew that CBS was seeking a new show in the mold of "The X-Files" on Fox and David Lynch's "Twin Peaks," the against-the-grain ABC experiment in the early 90's. He presented his idea for "American Gothic" to an executive at Mr. Raimi's production company, Renaissance Pictures, which also has offices at Universal. Mr. Raimi, who oversees two syndicated television shows, "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys" and "Xena: Warrior Princess," helped Mr. Cassidy shape his idea, then CBS agreed to finance the first season of the series. Now, while Mr. Raimi oversees the show's writers and editors in Los Angeles, Mr. Cassidy divides his time between the West Coast and Wilmington, N.C., where the series is filmed (and, appropriately, where Mr. Lynch's creepily stylized film "Blue Velvet" was made). "It's a coastal town, an industrial town, and there is a good base of local actors," Mr. Cassidy said. Mr. Raimi, who admits to a fear of police officers, said: "What I loved about Shaun's script is that he took the classic situation of the Southern sheriff and turned it around. When a cop stops me, I'm shaking. I'm not afraid he's going to brutalize me, but every guilty thing I've ever done in my life comes back to me." Small-town tyrants are nothing new to Mr. Raimi, whose most recent movie, "The Quick and the Dead," was set in an Old West town ruled by a corrupt gunfighter. Mr. Raimi, who grew up in suburban Detroit, has described his home state, Michigan, as a place "where it really knows how to get dark" at night. His grandfather, a Detroit postal worker who fled anti-Semitism in Poland, lost most of his family in the Holocaust... [66] 10-23-95 VARIETY. Special Supplement to Variety; Pg. 28. 440 words. "Unfinished Biz Delays Meidel" By Jim Benson. COMMENTARY: Article about the new chairman of MCA. Nominal mention of XWP. EXCERPT: ... in syndication than hours, and add strips to the studio's existing successes in action hours. MCA distributes the firstrun "Hercules" and "Xena" block. Meidel is a well-respected sales exec who spent 13 years at Par before being ... [67] 10-24-95 PR NEWSWIRE. Entertainment, Television, and Culture. 335 words. "Kevin Sorbo Guest Stars as Hercules on 'Xena Warrior Princess' in the 'Prometheus' Episode Airing the Week of November 6; 'Hercules' Co-star Michael Hurst Also Guest Stars in This Special Crossover Episode" COMMENTARY: Press release for XWP episode "Prometheus" which was released November 6, 1995. Because of size, reprinted in full. REPRINT: Kevin Sorbo will guest star as Hercules in the "Prometheus" episode of MCA TV's "Xena: Warrior Princess," airing in national syndication the week of November 6 (please check local listings). In the story, Hercules joins forces with Xena to free Prometheus, who has been chained to a mountaintop by the gods. LOS ANGELES, Oct. 24 Filled with action, romance and humor, the episode also features elaborate special effects, including six giant reptilian warriors whom the heroes must battle in order to liberate the bound Prometheus. "Xena" star Lucy Lawless reunites with Kevin Sorbo for the first time this season in the role she originated in three of "Hercules'" highest rated hours last spring. Michael Hurst also guest stars in this special crossover episode as Hercules' best friend Iolaus, the starring role he plays in "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys." Iolaus helps Hercules and Xena in their desperate struggle to free Prometheus and in the process, develops a close relationship with Xena's spirited young companion Gabrielle, played by Renee O'Connor. "Prometheus" was written by series co-executive producer R.J. Stewart and directed by Stephen Posey. Executive produced by acclaimed action filmmakers Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert, " Xena: Warrior Princess" debuted as the #1 new action hour in syndication in its premiere week of September 4, and has continued to post strong ratings with a season-to-date average of 5.3 (GAA). Infused with the same high-action, high-production values and humor that has made "Hercules" a breakout hit in syndication, the new series combines mythology with martial arts action, big screen special effects and spectacular New Zealand locations. Produced by Raimi and Tapert's Renaissance Pictures, "Xena: Warrior Princess" is exclusively distributed in national syndication by MCA TV and airs as part of the "Action Pack" on 198 stations covering 98% of the country. CONTACT: Leah Krantzler of The Lippin Group [68] 10-27-95 NOTE: The sixth aired show was the Hercules: The Legendary Journey's episode "Warrior Princess", the episode introducing Xena, as the Bad Girl. Variety reports a different share (Variety: 4.6; Reporter: 4.8). [68a] 10-27-95 THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER. 214 words. By Steve Brennan. COMMENTARY: Warrior Princess, repeat of Hercules episode. EXCERPT: ...for the week of Oct. 9-15... ...The third week of MCA TV's new "Xena: Warrior Princess" (4.8) was down 18% from a 5.5... [68b] 10-30-95 DAILY VARIETY. NEWS; Pg. 10. "For week ended Oct. 15, 1995" COMMENTARY: Warrior Princess Repeat REPRINT: Rank Program (Stations/% coverage) AA% GAA%... 1 Wheel of Fortune (224/97) 11.4 -- 2 Jeopardy! (218/95) 9.6 -- 3 Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (234/98) 8.5 9.2 4 Home Improvement (216/97) 7.5 8.1 5 Oprah Winfrey Show (234/99) 7.4 7.4 6 Entertainment Tonight (171/94) 6.8 6.9 7 Seinfeld (214/98) 6.2 -- 8 Journeys of Hercules (225/97) 6.1 6.8 9 Inside Edition (162/91) 5.9 6.0 10 WCW Wrestling (181/94) 5.8 9.1 11 Simpsons (186/96) 5.3 5.3 12 Baywatch (216/95) 5.2 5.5 12 World Wrestling Fed. PR (159/89) 5.2 6.3 14 Hard Copy (168/90) 5.1 5.1 15 Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (157/89) 5.0 5.3 16 XENA (192/96) 4.8 5.1 17 Ricki Lake (218/97) 4.7 4.9 18 Home Improvement--Wknd. (197/92) 4.6 -- 18 Jenny Jones Show (203/95) 4.6 4.8 18 Roseanne (172/92) 4.6 4.7 AA average refers to nonduplicated viewing for multiple airings of the same show. GAA average encompasses duplicated viewing. GAA average does not apply when there is only one run of a show... [68c] 10-30-95 DAILY VARIETY. News; Pg. 10. 692 words. "'Nine' Clouds 'Hercules' Spot;'Bay' watches ratings rise; 'Xena' zapped in syndie outings" By JIM BENSON. COMMENTARY: Warrior Princess EXCERPT: ...according to the Nielsen national barter syndication rankings for the week ended Oct. 15.... ...MCA's new "Hercules" companion, "Xena: Warrior Princess," fell from second to fourth with a 13% decline to 4.6... [68d] 10-30-95 VARIETY. TELEVISION; Pg. 187. 183 words "Nielsen Syndication Ratings" COMMENTARY: Warrior Princess. Same chart as XMR068b [68e] 10-30-95 VARIETY. TELEVISION; Pg. 187. 535 words "'TREK' PREEM TOP WEEKLY" COMMENTARY: Same as XMR068c. [68f] 10-30-95 BRANDWEEK [Adweek Marketing Week]. Pg. 40. 739 words. "Culture Trends" COMMENTARY: Skipping WWF again, Brandweek makes XWP #15 instead of Variety's #16. EXCERPT: ...Rank Program Rating Stations Cvrge ... 15 Xena 4.8 192 96 ------------- THE BACK PAGE ------------- Issue #09 will begin at annotation #069, dated 10-29-95. It is scheduled to be released May 31, 1996. PREFERRED CITATION: When citing an annotated review, use the format: XMR:007. This example means Xena Media Review [issue #01], annotation #007. DISCLAIMER: XMR (Xena media Review) is a free non-profit informational release. XMR in no way intends to challenge, disregard or profit from any of the original copyright holders of the material excerpted, reprinted, or referred to (including but not limited to MCA, Universal, Renaissance Pictures, Hollywood Reporter, Daily Variety, Variety, Houston Chronicle, Denver Post, Electronic Media, Philadelphia Daily News, Brandweek, Adweek, New York Times, and Pr Newswire). This newsletter is an academic and educational pursuit to archive, annotate, and study the media response to Xena: Warrior Princess (a television production from MCA/Universal/ Renaissance) and the actresses Lucy Lawless and Renee O'Connor, especially in the light of popular culture and the influence of mass media. XMR exercises its right to quote, excerpt or reprint as allowed under the law in order to review and discuss the media reports cited and annotated herein. XMR is distributed free of charge. Only national/international major media released in electronic form are considered for inclusion. Banner graphic by Colleen Stephan. Copyright 1996 by Kym Masera Taborn. REPRINT POLICY: Permission to use, copy and distribute Xena Media Review (XMR), or parts thereof, by electronic means for any non-profit purpose is hereby granted, provided that both the above copyright notice and this permission notice appear in all copies of the newsletter itself, and that proper credit is given for any excerpts. Any other format or purpose for distribution requires permission of the author. Reproducing XMR or parts thereof by any means implies full agreement to the above non-profit-use clause. SOLICITATIONS FOR FUTURE NEWSLETTERS Send cites, references, articles, annotations, and/or submissions to ktaborn@lightspeed.net. XMR is a non-profit fan publication. The editors retain editorial control and reprint privileges over the submitted materials and reserve the right to use the material in whatever way they deem appropriate. Submitted materials will not be returned to the sender. Editor-in-Chief: Kym Masera Taborn BBS: Resistance is Futile BBS (805) 588-9349: Oxnardus Internet: ktaborn@lightspeed.net US Mail: RIF BBS, P.O. Box 81181, Bakersfield, CA I also edit a free netzine called "Resistance is Futile," a Star Trek parody and all things Borgish newsletter which is issued every 19 days and has been published since 1992 (the Borg jokes just keep on coming!). Request a free subscription at ktaborn@lightspeed.net. Check out the back issues at WEB SITE: http://www.startrek. in-trier.de/rif/