Three years since the last original episode of UM - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Kane · 09-20-2005, 02:33 PM

It appears to have gone unnoticed, but it was three years ago today when UM aired what would eventually turn out to be its last first-run episode. It's hard to believe it has been that long.

The last original segment was about the 2002 disappearances of Oregon teenagers Ashley Pond and Miranda Gaddis. The initial airing of the segment ended with an update, which confirmed that both girls were dead. Their remains were discovered near the rented house of a man named Ward Weaver on August 24, shortly before the segment originally aired. (Weaver eventually pled guilty to the murders, and is serving a prison sentence of life without the possibility of parole.)

Ironically, the segment was originally scheduled to air just a few days after the discovery of the girls' remains. However, the airdate was postponed until September 20 (probably in order to give the UM crew some time to gather enough information to produce an update for the segment).

The official UM site erroneously lists the segment's original broadcast date as September 16, 2002, but most sources confirm that the correct date was September 20, 2002. Besides, September 20 was on a Friday in 2002, and I'm certain that the segment aired on a Friday.

Going back to the fact about it being the final episode, it ran as an ordinary episode. In other words, there was nothing to even hint that it would be the last episode of the series. My suspicion is that the UM crew were hoping to have the show renewed for another season. But obviously, when Robert Stack died in on May 14, 2003, any hopes for more new UM episodes were dashed.

Big3sCompanyFan · 09-20-2005, 08:09 PM

I don't why people are so hung up on Robert Stack. Sure, he was good but he was not the ONLY guy in the world who had the charisma to host UM. He was just an ACTOR!! He was not a real life crimefighter, detective, or policeman.

People have suggested Leornard Nimoy who did "In Search Of" on PBS. He would be fine or why not just use Keely Shaye Smith?? She was fine too.

The MERITS of a show is what make it great not a who hosts it who you hardly see during the show anyway. It was the segments and TRUE stories that made UM great.

I'm suprised there isn't more of a movement to bring it back or at least bring back a similar show.

nohwheregirl · 09-21-2005, 01:10 AM

That's the thing...many viewers thought that Stack made the show what it was, and I can't say I totally disagree. Just like Bob Stack will ALWAYS be Elliot Ness, he will always be the haunting, authoritative voice of UM. He's just has that type of screen presence. Plus, they (CBS) did try to do the show with Virginia Madsen as the host and it was a total flop.

Have you ever seen the show "City Confidential" on A&E? Paul Winfield narrarates it, and it's a great show. However, they've done a few episodes with a different narrarator and it's...just not the same, not nearly as good. Winfield sets the tone with his unique voice just like Robert Stack did. That's not to say I don't wish they'd bring back UM, it's just that I can see why it died with Stack.

BTW, Kane, the anniversary hasn't gone unnoticed. You noticed!!

Opal · 09-21-2005, 01:55 AM

Robert Stack was the perfect narrator. That deep chilling voice would always get to me! He set the tone for the entire episode with his first word.

Big3sCompanyFan · 09-21-2005, 02:27 AM

Yeah, yeah, you can like Stack all you want but it's the stories that make the show since you could not have a show if it wasn't for the intellectually stimulating true stories, right?

You couldn't have the show with just Stack and no stories.

Opal · 09-21-2005, 03:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big3sCompanyFan

Yeah, yeah, you can like Stack all you want but it's the stories that make the show since you could not have a show if it wasn't for the intellectually stimulating true stories, right?

You couldn't have the show with just Stack and no stories.

No one is saying you can't have the show without Robert Stack.... it just wouldn't be the same. There are many "mystery" shows out there, but how come most of us don't like them as much? Many factors go into making a show what it is. Would I have liked UM as much if the production and actors weren't so great? Would I have liked UM as much if Carrot Top (and not Robert Stack) hosted it? My answer to both of those questions: Probably Not.
There's a copycat show that I mentioned in another thread called Unexplained Mysteries. The narrator is weak and the production is laughable. I can only imagine how much more intriguing these cases would appear to be if they were in the hands of Stack and NBC (late '80s/early '90s). Even cases that seemed laughable on paper -- "Haunted Bunk Beds" -- they made terrifying. Sometimes it isn't just the case, but how it's presented. You'd be surprised how easily something can come off as a joke in the wrong hands.

Kane · 09-21-2005, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big3sCompanyFan

I'm suprised there isn't more of a movement to bring it back or at least bring back a similar show.

I'm afraid that bringing back "a similar show" is out of the realm of possibility. Indeed, several UM/AMW clones have been tried, but the audiences were never there for the long haul (Missing/Reward lasted three years, and Crimestoppers 800 lasted two years). Therefore, a second chance for the similar shows is easier said than done.

As for a movement to bring back UM, maybe there is one that we don't know of. In any case, Lifetime is ignoring us, as the network appears to be firm about its decision to discontinue production of the show. But I'm guessing that they'll still be airing the reruns for more years to come, since they have the rights to the show. And until those rights expire (whenever that may be), there is no possible to way for the series to be acquired by another network.

gavino · 09-21-2005, 03:37 PM

Have you ever seen the show "City Confidential" on A&E? Paul Winfield narrarates it, and it's a great show. However, they've done a few episodes with a different narrarator and it's...just not the same, not nearly as good. Winfield sets the tone with his unique voice just like Robert Stack did. )[/QUOTE]

Paul Winfield has passed on that is why they have another narrator.

nohwheregirl · 09-21-2005, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gavino

Have you ever seen the show "City Confidential" on A&E? Paul Winfield narrarates it, and it's a great show. However, they've done a few episodes with a different narrarator and it's...just not the same, not nearly as good. Winfield sets the tone with his unique voice just like Robert Stack did. )

Paul Winfield has passed on that is why they have another narrator.[/QUOTE]

I thought maybe that's what happened, but I wasn't sure so I didn't want to say he was dead if he wasn't. Thanks for confirming.

ouphe · 09-21-2005, 07:27 PM

No Stack, no Unsolved Mysteries.

Yes, it really is that simple.

Big3sCompanyFan · 09-22-2005, 04:57 AM

Yeah, I have seen that show "Unexplained Mysteries" a couple times. It is syndicated and on some local channel late at night and it probably is not even show in the entire country.

Even if it is, almost all the topics have to do with UFOs and the paranormal and some of the topics were downright ridiculous!! There has never been a missing persons case, murder, etc. as far as I know. Even if you had Stack host that show it would have bombed because the stories are crap!

Hey Kane, I had not heard those names in a while.....Missing/Reward and CrimeStoppers. Didn't William Shatner host one? Or that was called Emergency:911 or something? Which show did Shatner host and who hosted those 2 shows?

Kane · 09-22-2005, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big3sCompanyFan

Hey Kane, I had not heard those names in a while.....Missing/Reward and CrimeStoppers. Didn't William Shatner host one? Or that was called Emergency:911 or something? Which show did Shatner host and who hosted those 2 shows?

William Shatner hosted Rescue 911. Stacy Keach hosted Missing/Reward (which ran in syndication from 1989 to 1992).

I don't remember who hosted Crimestoppers 800 (which, like Missing/Reward, aired in first-run syndication), but it was someone outside show business. In any case, I will look it up and find out. I recall seeing that show. It ran from 1989 to 1991.

Awsi Dooger · 09-22-2005, 07:45 PM

The quality of the show is more vital than a specific host, IMO. I mean, it's not like Walsh is the only one who could make AMW work. I'm not diminishing Robert Stack, who was phenomenal on the show, but if UM renewed with similar quality of segments and feel to the early years then I'm certain we would be saluting and cherishing it, and not bemoaning that Stack was the only one who could make it work.

Kane · 09-23-2005, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Awsi Dooger

The quality of the show is more vital than a specific host, IMO. I mean, it's not like Walsh is the only one who could make AMW work.

Well, John Walsh has certainly played a big role in making AMW work. However, before Walsh was hired, there were numerous people who were under consideration as potential AMW hosts.

This included (but was not limited to) the following: Theresa Saldana (who was attacked by a maniac in 1980), Treat Williams, Brian Keith, and Joseph Wambaugh.

Wambaugh, who was once a detective, is a famous crime novelist. If Walsh hadn't gotten the hosting job at AMW, Wambaugh might have been a proper choice.

Awsi Dooger · 09-23-2005, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kane

Well, John Walsh has certainly played a big role in making AMW work. However, before Walsh was hired, there were numerous people who were under consideration as potential AMW hosts.

This included (but was not limited to) the following: Theresa Saldana (who was attacked by a maniac in 1980), Treat Williams, Brian Keith, and Joseph Wambaugh.

Wambaugh, who was once a detective, is a famous crime novelist. If Walsh hadn't gotten the hosting job at AMW, Wambaugh might have been a proper choice.

I think another factor in making AMW work over such a lengthy period, and so many captures, was the astute decision to expand the show to an hour. It was a half hour in the beginning, during the late '80s. In fact, the famous 1989 capture of John List was based on a profiling and bust of List, done by Frank Bender, during a 30 minute show.

09-20-2005, 02:33 PM	#1
Kane Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 07, 2001 Location: MA, United States Posts: 3,367	Three years since the last original episode of UM It appears to have gone unnoticed, but it was three years ago today when UM aired what would eventually turn out to be its last first-run episode. It's hard to believe it has been that long. The last original segment was about the 2002 disappearances of Oregon teenagers Ashley Pond and Miranda Gaddis. The initial airing of the segment ended with an update, which confirmed that both girls were dead. Their remains were discovered near the rented house of a man named Ward Weaver on August 24, shortly before the segment originally aired. (Weaver eventually pled guilty to the murders, and is serving a prison sentence of life without the possibility of parole.) Ironically, the segment was originally scheduled to air just a few days after the discovery of the girls' remains. However, the airdate was postponed until September 20 (probably in order to give the UM crew some time to gather enough information to produce an update for the segment). The official UM site erroneously lists the segment's original broadcast date as September 16, 2002, but most sources confirm that the correct date was September 20, 2002. Besides, September 20 was on a Friday in 2002, and I'm certain that the segment aired on a Friday. Going back to the fact about it being the final episode, it ran as an ordinary episode. In other words, there was nothing to even hint that it would be the last episode of the series. My suspicion is that the UM crew were hoping to have the show renewed for another season. But obviously, when Robert Stack died in on May 14, 2003, any hopes for more new UM episodes were dashed.

09-21-2005, 03:37 PM	#8
gavino Member Forum Hawk Join Date: Sep 20, 2005 Posts: 3	City Confidential Have you ever seen the show "City Confidential" on A&E? Paul Winfield narrarates it, and it's a great show. However, they've done a few episodes with a different narrarator and it's...just not the same, not nearly as good. Winfield sets the tone with his unique voice just like Robert Stack did. )[/QUOTE] Paul Winfield has passed on that is why they have another narrator.

09-20-2005, 08:09 PM	#2
Big3sCompanyFan Member Senior Member Join Date: Sep 16, 2003 Posts: 2,493	I don't why people are so hung up on Robert Stack. Sure, he was good but he was not the ONLY guy in the world who had the charisma to host UM. He was just an ACTOR!! He was not a real life crimefighter, detective, or policeman. People have suggested Leornard Nimoy who did "In Search Of" on PBS. He would be fine or why not just use Keely Shaye Smith?? She was fine too. The MERITS of a show is what make it great not a who hosts it who you hardly see during the show anyway. It was the segments and TRUE stories that made UM great. I'm suprised there isn't more of a movement to bring it back or at least bring back a similar show.

09-21-2005, 01:10 AM	#3
nohwheregirl THE Mystery Machine Senior Member Join Date: Apr 23, 2004 Posts: 1,057	That's the thing...many viewers thought that Stack made the show what it was, and I can't say I totally disagree. Just like Bob Stack will ALWAYS be Elliot Ness, he will always be the haunting, authoritative voice of UM. He's just has that type of screen presence. Plus, they (CBS) did try to do the show with Virginia Madsen as the host and it was a total flop. Have you ever seen the show "City Confidential" on A&E? Paul Winfield narrarates it, and it's a great show. However, they've done a few episodes with a different narrarator and it's...just not the same, not nearly as good. Winfield sets the tone with his unique voice just like Robert Stack did. That's not to say I don't wish they'd bring back UM, it's just that I can see why it died with Stack. BTW, Kane, the anniversary hasn't gone unnoticed. You noticed!!

09-21-2005, 01:55 AM	#4
Opal Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Aug 13, 2004 Posts: 365	Robert Stack was the perfect narrator. That deep chilling voice would always get to me! He set the tone for the entire episode with his first word.

09-21-2005, 02:27 AM	#5
Big3sCompanyFan Member Senior Member Join Date: Sep 16, 2003 Posts: 2,493	Yeah, yeah, you can like Stack all you want but it's the stories that make the show since you could not have a show if it wasn't for the intellectually stimulating true stories, right? You couldn't have the show with just Stack and no stories.

09-21-2005, 07:27 PM	#10
ouphe Purveyor of Truth Occasional Poster Join Date: Aug 01, 2005 Posts: 38	No Stack, no Unsolved Mysteries. Yes, it really is that simple.

09-22-2005, 04:57 AM	#11
Big3sCompanyFan Member Senior Member Join Date: Sep 16, 2003 Posts: 2,493	Yeah, I have seen that show "Unexplained Mysteries" a couple times. It is syndicated and on some local channel late at night and it probably is not even show in the entire country. Even if it is, almost all the topics have to do with UFOs and the paranormal and some of the topics were downright ridiculous!! There has never been a missing persons case, murder, etc. as far as I know. Even if you had Stack host that show it would have bombed because the stories are crap! Hey Kane, I had not heard those names in a while.....Missing/Reward and CrimeStoppers. Didn't William Shatner host one? Or that was called Emergency:911 or something? Which show did Shatner host and who hosted those 2 shows?

09-22-2005, 07:45 PM	#13
Awsi Dooger Member Senior Member Join Date: Feb 18, 2003 Location: Miami Posts: 1,537	The quality of the show is more vital than a specific host, IMO. I mean, it's not like Walsh is the only one who could make AMW work. I'm not diminishing Robert Stack, who was phenomenal on the show, but if UM renewed with similar quality of segments and feel to the early years then I'm certain we would be saluting and cherishing it, and not bemoaning that Stack was the only one who could make it work.