I have to tell you that if it takes a television show like Roswell to bring all types of
people together, then so be it! If you haven’t read my last column about Roswell (see
article archives below), then please feel inclined to do so if you’re new to this UPN TV
series. In this part of the article, I want to share the viewers’ ideas and thoughts
about Roswell. I asked a series of questions, so now’s the time to see who does and
doesn’t think like you, and why Roswell appeals to a variety of different people.
Due to overwhelming response, I’ll be posting only answers to two of the questions asked:
1. What draws you to Roswell and 2. If you could change anything about the series, what
would it be?
Barbara Maskell, who loves Max:
“What originally drew me to the series was the premise. But it was the characters and the
artistic way they presented their stories that kept me. The Max and Liz relationship is
very enthralling. And the use of the music and some of the images are wonderful. Max
lighting up the streetlights in the park, when Max first saved Liz's life, were all
beautifully done.
The series has always had difficulty in maintaining a good balance between sci-fi and
relationships. The best shows, End of the World, for example, blend both perfectly. I wish
that they would achieve that balance on a more regular basis."
Jennifer Lennon, whose reason for living IS Roswell:
“It has to be the alien theme. And not just the aliens from Antar but the concept that
everyone, human or not, feels like an alien at one point or another in their lives.
Usually as a teenager. So seeing actual aliens struggle to find their place and deal with
the fact that they aren't even quite human keeps me coming back.
So far I have been satisfied [with the show] except for Alex's death. I would bring him
back. Do something like the in the Roswell High Books and make him be alive but on
Antar. I miss him."
Sarah Shuler who, if she could be any character on the show, would choose Maria for her
freedom and love, and compassion:
“The main thing that originally drew me to Roswell was the whole Alien based scifi plot.
When I saw the first episode I was hooked because it involved risk, danger and later love
– all of the things worth living for. It just kept on getting better. And then WB had to
drop the show. Luckily UPN picked it up because the show got better and the fans are
back!!
I would like to see [changes on] both sides: some of earth with the gang and also on their
home planet with the enemy and Max's son. You would get the best of both worlds this way.
Other than that, I think the show is awesome!"
Lauren Mier, who follows Jason Behr’s career:
“I recognized Jason Behr from Dawson's Creek. Now I continue to watch it because it is a
teen drama, but the sci-fi makes it more interesting than the others. There are more
stories they can use. The same thing isn't always happening.
I wouldn't change anything about Roswell. I think the writers are excellent and give me
exactly what I want each week."
Gyro, whose favorite character is Maria because she is funny, bubbly, warm, and suffers
unbearably from the insensitivity of Michael, says:
“Originally I tuned into Roswell, thinking that I was going to be watching a
historical-scientific program on the actual events which allegedly happened there. After
the first episode I was captured by the characters and the idea of aliens who seemed to
look like humans but whose natures were not human. Does this make sense? The cafe
opening was a good dramatic beginning and the plot of the first episode made an impact. I
just kept watching until I was absolutely hooked - that only took about three episodes.
I am hoping that Series 3 will turn back the clock to put the emphasis on the
relationships. I also hope that fewer plot threads get lost from one episode to the next.
For instance, when Maria killed the surgefield and got rid of the Skins, who knew? That
thread just disappeared. After she slept with Michael at the end of Series 2, what has
happened to pick up that thread? From what I can see of the first two transcripts -
nothing. The Skins just came and went; the alter egos, the alternative Royal Four also
waxed and waned. There were a lot of fizzled ideas in the second series, as if the
writers did not really have a clear objective and just kind of blundered along instead,
probably guided by opinion polls and the bullying of WB."
Michelle, who if were to be on the show would be a new character who suddenly appeared,
tried to befriend the group, but raised suspicion:
“I was drawn to Roswell because I was interested in the 1947 crash and intrigued by the
idea that aliens existed on Earth.
I'd make Max much less of a dictator. On the other planet he was a king, and it didn't
sound like he was a tyrant there. The others should be able to make their own decisions
about their lives on Earth."
Liz Porter who’s upset that such a great show like Roswell is in so much trouble with
ratings:
“The storyline is great, it is the coming of age story with an exciting twist. The actors
are great as well and really get into their characters.
I would change the fact that Max and Liz haven't had a real relationship because the
writers keep messing with the characters."
Cherlyn Lambert doesn’t get UPN, so her friend is taping Season 3 for her:
“I am drawn to Roswell because of the realness of the characters, the underlying sci-fi
theme, and the physical appearance of the cast. I am a fan of the X-files and Dawson's
Creek and to me, this show is like a combination of the two.
Lately, the show has gotten a bit out of hand. They're making the characters do things
that aren't true to their nature. Max and Liz attempting an armed robbery? C'mon. I
think not. Plus, there are a lot of holes in the script. Did Max and Isabelle's parents
notice the jeep was gone? What was their reaction? What were the kids' explanations as
to what happened to the jeep? What happened to Sean?
I really wish UPN was more widely available or that Roswell would have stayed on WB or
moved to Fox where it has the chance to build a wider fanbase."
Rosie, who with confidence states that Roswell is a one of a kind show is drawn to it
because:
“…of the way the science fiction plot and the relationships tie in together. It's a
really unique show.
Tess would be in Season Three, and she wouldn't be evil. I don't believe she killed Alex."
The fan known as Romantic At Heart, who if were to have a role on Roswell, would choose a
new character who has a connection with everyone on the show from the past:
“The thing that drew me to Roswell was the relationships between the characters. Their
feelings for each other seem genuine. Their friendships are quite strong. And because of
that, you tend to want to see the next place that they will go.
If I could change anything about the show, I would take back every episode from ‘Cry Your
Name’ to the present. It seemed as if A LOT of the plots and reasons behind those
episodes contradict everything we had previously learned. Also, Alex would still be
alive."
Jamie, who appears to be in a minority when she says that she doesn’t really enjoy all the
Max/Liz stuff:
“I guess the biggest thing that draws me to the show is the relationships between the
characters. The friendship that they all share is a friendship that most of us wish we
could find. One that is pure devotion to each other. The relationships between
Michael/Maria, Tess/Kyle and Alex/Isabel were what MADE me want to tune in each week.
I would bring back Tess. She was tricked just as the others all were and she DIDN'T kill
Alex. Either that was all a mindwarp done by Kivar, Rath, Lonnie and Nicholas or Alex
isn't dead either. She would still be pregnant and she and Max would have their baby.
They'd live happily together on earth -- and Liz and Sean would be together and having a
good time."
Anne Baker, who loves the character of Liz’s style:
“From the start the major draw was the characters and the storyline. From day one we were
presented with real people who we could relate to, caught up in unnatural situations. The
romance was a major draw from day one...it was like something out of my dreams. And the
music too...the music they use on the show is incredible.
Actually at the moment I wouldn't [change anything]. Season 3, where we are right now --
I love what I'm seeing. It's addictive, exciting and exactly everything that I was
missing during Season 2. I could get really anal and say that I would make Tess's baby
cease to exist...but I know that can't happen, so I have to live with it. I could
backtrack and say that I would rewrite the whole beginning to Season 2, because they got
way to complicated and there were too many strange plot twists and loose ends...but its'
in the past, and I think it’s time the fans get over it."
Sarah, whose favorite character is Kyle:
“The romance part of the storyline attracted me to the show." As for what Sarah would
change in the show, she wishes that Alex didn’t die!
Lane-Page Waddell thinks behind-the-scenes guy, Jason Katims, does an amazing job:
“I think it's the romanticized belief in aliens personally. I mean, the show is appealing
subconsciously. I don't really know why I like the show -- it could just be the action
packed episodes. Or maybe the attractiveness of the actors that portray the Roswell
characters. It's unknown to me.
If I could change one thing about the show, it would be the corny ideas that they come up
with? Snapple, what the hell is that? And the small hybrid chronicles were a little
disappointing. They need to think of things that aren't so terribly far-fetched."
Burgundy, whose favorite episode besides the Pilot is “The End of the World":
“I was originally drawn to Roswell by the storyline. I loved the whole unrequited love
theme, and the amazing writing in season one -- especially that of Jason Katims and Thania
St. John – it pulled me in.
I miss having Alex (Colin Hanks) on the show, but it seems like it would be really
difficult to re-incorporate him. I'd like to see him come back as a ghost/figment of
Isabel's imagination again (I'm afraid his guest spot in Significant Others, the third
episode of this season, might be his last).
I would like the episodes to show more of an ensemble cast, although I like the direction
the show is going. I miss the innocence of season one, but all shows grow from season to
season with each season having a different character. Jason Katims has said that this
season is supposed to be more reminiscent of season one than last season. I'm excited.
:)"
Jenny Morris has been in love with the show since the Pilot:
She’s drawn to Roswell because “…it's different then the other shows out there. Every
alien show tells how horrid the species is, but Roswell helps show that they have
feelings, they care and that they don't want to take over the planet (though the evil
aliens do) but that they just want to belong, just like every other teenager."
How would Jenny change the show? “That they have to involve sex, the typical Hollywood
element."
Shantal’s favorite character is Maria:
“Michael and Maria [draw me to the show]." Shantal agrees with fan Jamie: “Less Max, Liz
and Isabel. Those three are the most boring characters ever."
Shawna loves the character of Kyle and the comic relief he supplies:
“The relationship between characters and the how they react to situations. The whole
scenario is very enticing. Aliens interacting with humans.
As far as storylines, I would have had Max finding out about Liz's big heroic act. It was
pretty much ignored and really would have liked to see that work out. I also dislike this
whole bad-ass angle the two lovers are playing. I don't think it suits them. On a whole,
I think Roswell needs to delve a little deeper into certain situations i.e. The future Max
thing, the effect of the white room on Max, etc."
Nancy, aka Dreamer, is scared to death Roswell will be cancelled. Nancy added way more
information than asked in the questions, so in case you don’t know:
“Roswell fans have given themselves nicknames for what it is that they primarily respond
to in this series. The 'nicknames', to mention a few here, are: Dreamers, who watch the
show especially for the Max/Liz relationship; Candygirls, who watch because of their love
for the Michael/Maria relationship; Teflon Babes named out of respect and adoration for
the character Maria (cause nothing sticks on this babe -- it just rolls off); Rebels, who
enjoyed watching the Tess/Max interplay; Stargazers, who love the Isabel/Alex relationship."
How would Nancy change the show? “Give it a movie-sized budget... (Yeah, I wish) and
interplay/ balance the action/sci-fi/romance blend. So far, they STILL haven't found
their balance in this show. I'd hire writers who can write without leaving plotholes or
holes of semantic mis-understanding for all of us to get stuck in."
Melissa R., who would take the focus off Max and Liz and make it more ensemble oriented:
“I was originally drawn to Roswell because I loved the character interaction. Everyone
was so different, and they blended into such a wonderful whole! Since then, I've watched
so I can see them grow and change. Some of them have progressed marvelously, while others
seem stilted. But I still watch!
In my personal opinion, Max and Liz have stayed relatively the same since season one, and
they're dull. Each has gone through periods of almost psychotic behavior, but other than
that, they haven't grown an iota. I think more time needs to be devoted to ALL the
characters, rather than focusing on just two. Kyle, for instance, played by the amazing
Nick Wechsler, hasn't had anywhere near enough screentime. He blows me away with every
scene he's in, and I think it's a gross injustice to give him only a token role in each
episode."
Stephanie Graham, who thinks the show went a little bit down hill in the second season:
“The thing that FIRST drew my to the show was Brenden Fehr. (I know, shallow right?) I
was flipping through the channels one night, and I noticed this really cute guy, so I
stopped and watched. The episode was ‘285 South’, and I just had to know what happened to
them! So I tuned in next week, and I realized that this could be the show for me. I've
always been a huge Sci-fi/fantasy fan, and I love romance, and this show seemed to have
the perfect balance of both!
Alex wouldn't be dead. Evil Tess is something I could deal with, and even learn to like
if they handled it properly, but Alex being gone isn't something I'll ever really
‘recover’ from. He was one of the only really ‘human’ characters in the show, and it
lost something after he was gone. It'll probably never get it back, but I guess all we
can do is cross our fingers and hope."
Lynn, who would love to play Kyle's love interest:
“What first drew me in was the whole Max and Liz story. It just touched something, their
chemistry and their scenes -- I could hardly breathe when watching it. Now it's the
storylines and the characters.
I would change the whole baby plot line. Can we say stupid? I hate it."
Holli King would create a character related to Max and Isabel and has a past with Michael,
causing conflict:
“The couples and the storyline [drew me to Roswell]! Max and Liz are so cool! So is
Michael!
Alex shouldn't have died!"
Lady Lioness, fan-fiction writer:
“I became interested in Roswell after I saw the promo and realized I'd already read the
books by Melinda Metz. I kept watching because the relationships between the characters
were so rich and complex. I hung on through the second season because I was hoping to
learn the backstory behind the aliens. Now I watch and mourn.
Alex would be alive, for one. Tess wouldn't be evil. We'd know more about Antar and the
reason the aliens were sent to Earth. Valenti would be sheriff and not a country-music
hack. All the CC couples would be together. Michael's hair! We'd know the deal with Ava
and what happened to the Dupes' protector."
Kat, who adores Isabel because she has cool powers and remains strong after all she's been
through:
“I'm into teen cult dramas and the whole alien thing interests me, and I like the idea of
them being normal teenagers who also have human lives and friends.
Max's ‘up-himself’ attitude during the end of season 2 towards Isabel. And also Alex's
death."
Selena Santiago, whose favorite character is Maria because she's smart, witty and funny:
“I think the best part of Roswell is the transaction from sci-fi action and madness, to
heart warming romantic drama. I mean, one episode you can be exited and jumping around
because it's so shocking and exciting and crazy, and another, you're crying your eyes out
because it has a way of touching your heart.
Change... well, I guess if I had to change anything it would be Alex dying. Although it
was a great storyline and it keeps getting better. It just seems so empty without him
there; I'd have found a way to keep him on."
Nicola, a Candygirl AND Teflon Babe (that fan Nancy mentioned up there), loves Roswell
because:
“Storylines and the sci-fi factor!
Less Max and Liz emphasis, more sci-fi and more of the dupes, And bring back ALEX!"
Adian McGuire, who loves Max and Liz because they are fun, flirty, and sexy with a
romantic streak a mile wide:
“I was drawn to Roswell by the romantic innocence of first love between Max and Liz. In
the first season their faith that their love would overcome any obstacles human or alien
appealed to the closet romantic within me.
Colin Hanks’ character would not have been killed off in season two."
Alex Wiyninger, whose favorite character is Liz because she is an independent young woman
who, when faced with having her worldview turned upside down, manages to accept it and embrace it:
“What I love about Roswell is the story, the combination of romance and science fiction.
The two genres can mix. Roswell is the idea of boy meets girl with a different twist. I
love the interplay of all the characters.
The only thing I would change about the series is that the producers/writers don't seem to
have a long-range plan for Roswell. I would prefer it if Jason Katim had a story arc in
place. Not only what is going to happen in season 3 but in season 4, 5 and 6 as well.
Sometimes I get the impression that Roswell loses it direction and then has to spend an
episode or two to regain its focus."
Mellissa, whose favorite character is Maria because she's spunky and witty:
“I began watching by accident at the start of the first season, but I kept watching
because of the chemistry and the originality of the first season. I watch now because of
sentimental value. I watched the first two seasons, and since I have so much time
invested already in the show, I'll watch until it's off the air.
I'd like to it to get back to the way it was during the first season. Character
development over action."
Annie, who loves Max because he is so strong, but still depends on everyone around him for
support:
“The unique story line is what draws me to Roswell. The characters, some alien, some
human, have both alien and human qualities in them. There is the initial appeal of the
incredibly good looking actors who play these characters, but after you watch the show,
you get drawn into the story. Every week when you turn on the TV, its like you are a part
of the story that is taking place, you react how they react, you feel how they feel, that
shows these people are truly talented. Also, the writers do an excellent job in keeping
people coming back, and watching, by not making everything so easy for the characters.
I would have Liz move in with Max. I think those two need a break. I like how the
writers added the whole Max/Tess equation to the show, because it really tests Liz and
Max. But, they have obviously overcome the obstacle, so I think they should have a break.
I also think that they need to develop the whole ‘Liz has alien powers’ thing! It would
get everyone's interest."
Whew! One thing’s for certain – everyone wishes Alex didn't die! Be sure to check out
the newsgroups listed below, and feel free to leave me feedback at
newsguy.writers.scificapsule.
"Roswell's
Crashdown - Part II"
