UM on Spike: Two things I don't understand

[Todd Mueller]

I will say that this UM is better than no UM, and I do like getting the updates.

However, there are two aspects of this new show that have me scratching my head and asking, "WTF?"

1) Why is Farina in a "call center" if there is no number to call? They accept updates through unsolved.com, so why fake the call center? Everytime it shows him on the catwalk, I think he is in CTU from 24. I keep expecting Jack Bauer to come running out and yell, "Chloe! I'm leaving to hunt a terrorist but I need satellite coverage. Call me on my cell!"

2) Why are they acting like this show has never been off the air, or like this is the 20th episode? Farina keeps saying, "Recently we brought you the case of..." and when they showed the Gregg Webb update today, he said, "On a recent broadcast..." I don't get it! They make it sound like Webb was just caught, then he says, "He was sentanced to 8 years in prison where he served his time and was then released." Errrr...


Don't get me wrong, it is good having this on the air and this really isn't a complaint as much as me wondering why. I won't go into the small screen or the quick, choppy stories. But what I don't get and can't buy into is the notion that operators are standing by (because they aren't) so why make it look like they are? And why do they act like this stuff is recent?

I'd appreciate comments as to why people think this is done this way. So I'm not asking if you like it or not, but why is this being done?

I'm seriously at a loss on this.

[DarkDante]

The answer to your first question is the presence of the control center is just for aesthetic purposes. Its a "true crime" show so the control center basically just serves as a "set" for the show. Its supposed to look like the headquarters for a law enforcement agency of some sort but again its just for aesthetic purposes being that UM in 2008 is really just for "entertainment purposes" now. They still have the unsolved.com website for tips but its obvious that the aspect of the show devoted to solving crimes has now taken a back seat to the entertainment aspect.

The answer to your second question is probably because they anticipate UM hsving a long run on SPIKE TV where reference to "Recently we brought you the case of..." will make more sense. Some people have stated that references which make the segments seem more current are bloopers on the part of Farina or those who are supervising the scripts but really they are likely there because when UM was prepared for SPIKE TV they anticipated the episodes would be run on the network over and over again and therefore the references would make more sense just as on "Lifetime" they often included phrases such as "Recently we brought you the case..." in their updates.

[Necco]

I looked closely at the 'call center' footage in Tuesday's first episode and noticed there are actually not any phones, just computer monitors. So, maybe it is supposed to represent the people checking the tips that come in via the website.

ETA: Oh wait, people are wearing headphones, maybe they are supposed to be those kinds of phones. Hmmm. That's silly.

[mphs95]

Originally Posted by Todd Mueller

I will say that this UM is better than no UM, and I do like getting the updates.

However, there are two aspects of this new show that have me scratching my head and asking, "WTF?"

1) Why is Farina in a "call center" if there is no number to call? They accept updates through unsolved.com, so why fake the call center? Everytime it shows him on the catwalk, I think he is in CTU from 24. I keep expecting Jack Bauer to come running out and yell, "Chloe! I'm leaving to hunt a terrorist but I need satellite coverage. Call me on my cell!"

2) Why are they acting like this show has never been off the air, or like this is the 20th episode? Farina keeps saying, "Recently we brought you the case of..." and when they showed the Gregg Webb update today, he said, "On a recent broadcast..." I don't get it! They make it sound like Webb was just caught, then he says, "He was sentanced to 8 years in prison where he served his time and was then released." Errrr...


Don't get me wrong, it is good having this on the air and this really isn't a complaint as much as me wondering why. I won't go into the small screen or the quick, choppy stories. But what I don't get and can't buy into is the notion that operators are standing by (because they aren't) so why make it look like they are? And why do they act like this stuff is recent?

I'd appreciate comments as to why people think this is done this way. So I'm not asking if you like it or not, but why is this being done?

I'm seriously at a loss on this.

1. All I can think of is the people working the "call center" are people watching for tips on the website. They could be wearing headphones bc they are calling said tips into the proper LE agencies. Or they are just jamming to the UM theme?

2. It seems like DF is reading off of old scripts that RS was using. I could swear that RS would say the exact thing. I guess it was just easier to recycle than rewrite. I can't think of anything else, really.

[PrettyinPink55]

It looks like he's in a spacecraft or something!!!

[IsabellaSage1987]

Okay, I will say I am very disappointed with the new unsolved mysteries. I was sooo excited when I heard it was coming back. Honestly, though just watching the new UM on Spike, makes me miss the original and the reruns on lifetime. I knew it wouldnt be the same but I thought they'd make it almost as good as the original and have great updates, yet there was probably only one update so far that I wasn't aware of. The new theme song...it's not bad but they should not have replaced it. Thats what made unsolved mysteries, well that and Robert Stack. Unfortunately he passed away and they had to replace him. Farina is no Robert Stack. Its practically a new show.

I also have the same complaints..
1) The stories are choppy and too short. They cut out way too many interviews with the victims, police ect.
2) The corny music they play in some stories. Sounds almost like rock music at some points. Its suppose to be creepy.
3) The call center. It reminds me a little bit of Americans Most Wanted. Robert Stack occasionally was seen in a call center but most of the time he was in the scenery that went with the story e.i. ghost story...Robert stack was walking through a graveyard. ect.
4) What is up with the small screen within a screen? It is suppose to look more modern or cool? It really doesn't. It's more annoying than anything else.
5) So far, I honestly was disappointed with the updates. Only one update did I not know about, so far anyways.
6) The scrolling info and stats across the screen. I might be getting a little picky at this point, its just not the same.

I realize they were "modernizing it" and I get it can't be the exact same show but I some of it is just tacky. No new interviews, on the unsolved cases or solved cases.

I own all the DVDs of the show. Although I wish they would just release all the episodes, like Season 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ect. I would love that!

All in all, I miss the reruns on lifetime and I'd rather watch the DVDs then watch the new UM. I'm glad they tried to bring it back but this new format just doesn't appeal that much to me. As much as I love the show and how bad I wish the old show could come back, unfortunately it's just not going to happen and it ran its run. Without the theme song, Robert Stack and the old format..its not UM. I think they should just leave it alone and release ALL the episodes on DVD instead.

[browneyes106]

Originally Posted by Necco

I looked closely at the 'call center' footage in Tuesday's first episode and noticed there are actually not any phones, just computer monitors. So, maybe it is supposed to represent the people checking the tips that come in via the website.

ETA: Oh wait, people are wearing headphones, maybe they are supposed to be those kinds of phones. Hmmm. That's silly.

I agree it could people checking computer systems.