What do you guys think of the new UM without a host?? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

SitcomsHeydayfan · 09-06-2020, 12:32 AM

I just saw the new UM a couple days ago. It's fine but it's not really UM without a host. It's a modified version of UM.

Why didn't they get a host?? Is it just because they didn't want to pay anyone?

You notice they don't even have a narrator either?? Stunning!

apwgk · 09-06-2020, 11:05 AM

I don't really have an issue with the lack of a host or narrator. There are many ways to tell a story and if the interviews are well-produced and cohesive, then you dont need a host. Plus I don't know how you could top Robert Stack.

My two main issues are segment length and bias. I felt a couple of the cases shown would have been better off being part of a 2 case, 40-60 minute episode instead of the 1 case format; a bit too much filler IMO at times. Then there's the bias. I get it that sometimes it's necessary to improve the storytelling but at the same time you're cheating viewers by leaving out info. The Rey Rivera case is a prime example. I had no knowledge of the case when I first watched it, and I came out convinced he was murdered. After doing a bit of research on the web, now I'm more 50/50.

isotope · 09-06-2020, 10:47 PM

I actually think the UFO one is the best episode of the lot and the one episode that tells the story more effectively than would have been done under Stack.

I don't believe that anyone was abducted by aliens, but something weird seems to have happened, and the lack of narrator and no cheesy re-enactments means the whole production has this fantastic air of unsettling eeriness about it (like a David Lynch movie) without any resolution. Also, its the shortest of the new episodes, avoiding a lot of the narrative bloat and repetition that mars the other stories.

xxxxmattxxxx69 · 09-06-2020, 11:22 PM

It drags too much. I'm not a fan of no host but it works. However with 1 segment only half hour is needed

Heenan Fan · 09-06-2020, 11:30 PM

The show is boring and it's a shame they use the good Unsolved Mysteries name for this crapfest.

Labonte18 · 09-08-2020, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by apwgk

I don't really have an issue with the lack of a host or narrator. There are many ways to tell a story and if the interviews are well-produced and cohesive, then you dont need a host. Plus I don't know how you could top Robert Stack.

My two main issues are segment length and bias. I felt a couple of the cases shown would have been better off being part of a 2 case, 40-60 minute episode instead of the 1 case format; a bit too much filler IMO at times. Then there's the bias. I get it that sometimes it's necessary to improve the storytelling but at the same time you're cheating viewers by leaving out info. The Rey Rivera case is a prime example. I had no knowledge of the case when I first watched it, and I came out convinced he was murdered. After doing a bit of research on the web, now I'm more 50/50.

This, without question. I mean, in every point I agree.. I think they SHOULD have a host as it's part of what makes UM, UM.. but.. As we saw with Farina.. Noone other than the reanimated corpse of Robert Stack would really be accpeted.. So, it's probably best to go host-less... Though.. I do think just getting a good voice actor to 'narrate' would be better than what it is right now.

I also think 2 stores in a 60 minute timeframe would be better. That UFO one was stretched out to even get to the 38 minute mark or so and honestly.. I don't think any of the stories benefited by being a full hour (or 40-someodd minutes).. though oddly, the House of Terror episode I actually thought kept me entertained throughout, without dragging.

infinityluxe · 09-09-2020, 12:52 AM

I was HUGELY disappointed as a fan of the original show. I watched this show with my grandparents as a child and it was always a favorite of mine.

I wish they would have stayed as true to the original as possible. Multiple segments, host, etc. It is a documentary series just like anything you would see on ID channel.

NOTHING about that show is UM but the title. Very disappointed in the creators for allowing Netflix to change the show so much.

Yes we respect Robert Stack as a legend but the show definitely needs a host.

I don't see it getting another season.

SitcomsHeydayfan · 09-09-2020, 03:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by isotope

I actually think the UFO one is the best episode of the lot and the one episode that tells the story more effectively than would have been done under Stack.

I don't believe that anyone was abducted by aliens, but something weird seems to have happened, and the lack of narrator and no cheesy re-enactments means the whole production has this fantastic air of unsettling eeriness about it (like a David Lynch movie) without any resolution. Also, its the shortest of the new episodes, avoiding a lot of the narrative bloat and repetition that mars the other stories.

I created a separate thread for this UFO mystery. Please post in the thread below:

https://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards...d.php?t=394370

dynoguy88 · 09-09-2020, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Labonte18

This, without question. I mean, in every point I agree.. I think they SHOULD have a host as it's part of what makes UM, UM.. but.. As we saw with Farina.. Noone other than the reanimated corpse of Robert Stack would really be accpeted.. So, it's probably best to go host-less... Though.. I do think just getting a good voice actor to 'narrate' would be better than what it is right now.

I think they SHOULD have a host. But like I said before the Netflix version premiered, I am a realist and I wouldn't expect the host to be Robert Stack. Stack was the best of the best, the undefeated master who cannot be topped. However, that doesn't mean there aren't qualified people out there that could do the job. The host of 'Disappeared' on Investigation Discovery does a very fine job. Why not get someone like him?

Looking back, when UM was "Farina-sized," my main beef wasn't actually with Farina. I was mortified over the fact that they took already existing cases from the Stack years, destroyed them, edited them down to 5 minutes, and re-aired them in that horrible format. I've compared it before to a Thanksgiving feast. If I walk in your house on Thanksgiving and take away the turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing, corn, gravy, pumpkin pie and various drinks, what are you left with? Cranberry sauce and rolls. That's what the Farina version of the show felt like, cranberry sauce and rolls. I could have been more forgiving if Farina had been given NEW cases to broadcast, despite not digging the new format. Leave the classics alone.

UM needs a host. And I think the producers are selling us short by thinking we're all of the mindset that it's either Stack's ghost or no Stack.

rusty spike · 09-10-2020, 12:42 AM

I think they need someone to pose questions with some sort of narration for transitions between interviews. They also need the re-enactments to create visuals. It's has slick footage, but it's not UM.

Huskerz85 · 09-11-2020, 10:42 AM

For me, the show just doesn't quite have the same pull. Now I'm a realist and know that you can't bring back Stack and easily recreate that campy, old-school feel, but a host with some gravitas and some decent reenactments would go a long way I think.

Cori aka ChrisSCrush · 09-12-2020, 06:31 AM

Can't think of anyone who would equal Robert Stack.

SitcomsHeydayfan · 09-13-2020, 02:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cori aka ChrisSCrush

Can't think of anyone who would equal Robert Stack.

That guy from Forensic Files would've been great but he's dead. There was a lady who narrated HBO's Autopsy 20+ years ago who would be good but I don't know her status.

apwgk · 09-13-2020, 01:27 PM

I second that I had no issues with Farina himself. A lot of people, rightfully so, trash those episodes but I think Farina got too much crap for horrible material that even if Stack was there he wouldn't have been able to save.

Huskerz85 · 09-14-2020, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by apwgk

I second that I had no issues with Farina himself. A lot of people, rightfully so, trash those episodes but I think Farina got too much crap for horrible material that even if Stack was there he wouldn't have been able to save.

I think the problem with the Farina take is that it wasn't simply a case of replacing a host, the powers that be had to "reinvent" the show - changing up the music, presentation etc. I think if they would've left well enough alone (change the music/graphics, sure.........but leave the presentation alone), it would've gotten a better reception.

09-06-2020, 12:32 AM	#1
SitcomsHeydayfan Member Senior Member Join Date: Apr 19, 2018 Location: The Show Me state Posts: 2,966	What do you guys think of the new UM without a host?? I just saw the new UM a couple days ago. It's fine but it's not really UM without a host. It's a modified version of UM. Why didn't they get a host?? Is it just because they didn't want to pay anyone? You notice they don't even have a narrator either?? Stunning!
	Last edited by SitcomsHeydayfan; 09-06-2020 at 04:03 AM.

09-06-2020, 11:05 AM	#2
apwgk Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Oct 20, 2017 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 21	I don't really have an issue with the lack of a host or narrator. There are many ways to tell a story and if the interviews are well-produced and cohesive, then you dont need a host. Plus I don't know how you could top Robert Stack. My two main issues are segment length and bias. I felt a couple of the cases shown would have been better off being part of a 2 case, 40-60 minute episode instead of the 1 case format; a bit too much filler IMO at times. Then there's the bias. I get it that sometimes it's necessary to improve the storytelling but at the same time you're cheating viewers by leaving out info. The Rey Rivera case is a prime example. I had no knowledge of the case when I first watched it, and I came out convinced he was murdered. After doing a bit of research on the web, now I'm more 50/50.

09-06-2020, 10:47 PM	#3
isotope Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Aug 09, 2013 Location: Australia Posts: 287	I actually think the UFO one is the best episode of the lot and the one episode that tells the story more effectively than would have been done under Stack. I don't believe that anyone was abducted by aliens, but something weird seems to have happened, and the lack of narrator and no cheesy re-enactments means the whole production has this fantastic air of unsettling eeriness about it (like a David Lynch movie) without any resolution. Also, its the shortest of the new episodes, avoiding a lot of the narrative bloat and repetition that mars the other stories.

09-06-2020, 11:22 PM	#4
xxxxmattxxxx69 Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Feb 12, 2010 Location: MA Posts: 398	It drags too much. I'm not a fan of no host but it works. However with 1 segment only half hour is needed

09-06-2020, 11:30 PM	#5
Heenan Fan Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Oct 19, 2016 Posts: 6,001	The show is boring and it's a shame they use the good Unsolved Mysteries name for this crapfest.

09-09-2020, 12:52 AM	#7
infinityluxe Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Jan 31, 2020 Posts: 274	I was HUGELY disappointed as a fan of the original show. I watched this show with my grandparents as a child and it was always a favorite of mine. I wish they would have stayed as true to the original as possible. Multiple segments, host, etc. It is a documentary series just like anything you would see on ID channel. NOTHING about that show is UM but the title. Very disappointed in the creators for allowing Netflix to change the show so much. Yes we respect Robert Stack as a legend but the show definitely needs a host. I don't see it getting another season.

09-10-2020, 12:42 AM	#10
rusty spike Member Senior Member Join Date: Mar 08, 2015 Location: Southwest Posts: 1,124	I think they need someone to pose questions with some sort of narration for transitions between interviews. They also need the re-enactments to create visuals. It's has slick footage, but it's not UM.

09-11-2020, 10:42 AM	#11
Huskerz85 Member Forum Regular Join Date: Dec 31, 2006 Location: Westeros Posts: 740	For me, the show just doesn't quite have the same pull. Now I'm a realist and know that you can't bring back Stack and easily recreate that campy, old-school feel, but a host with some gravitas and some decent reenactments would go a long way I think.

09-12-2020, 06:31 AM	#12
Cori aka ChrisSCrush Member Senior Member Join Date: Dec 30, 2001 Location: USA and still trying to be proud of it! Posts: 2,068	Can't think of anyone who would equal Robert Stack.

09-13-2020, 01:27 PM	#14
apwgk Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Oct 20, 2017 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 21	I second that I had no issues with Farina himself. A lot of people, rightfully so, trash those episodes but I think Farina got too much crap for horrible material that even if Stack was there he wouldn't have been able to save.