If they brought back Unsolved Mysteries, what would you want to see?

[smallmanbigmouth]

What would you want to change from the original show or the 2008 version?
What would you bring back?
What cases would you want to see?
What changes would have to be made to make the show viable as a regularly-scheduled TV show again?

I wonder what the show might be like if someone tried to put it back on the air -- it's clear the Spike TV version did the show a disservice. Goofy sound effects, the apparent use of a 1960s-era computer in the call center, unrefreshed segments from the original show, and a new theme song that was nothing like the one that made USM famous.

Obviously, the show would have to change. It's not viable as a crime-fighting tool anymore, and the format of any new version of USM would have to reflect that. It's kind of like what they did with The Hunt. It's much more cinematic than journalistic, like the original America's Most Wanted was. I imagine a new Unsolved Mysteries would have to take a similar route.

I'm curious to see what people think would have to be done with the show.

[Kane]

It needs to appear closer to the original than the 2008 version, especially in terms of production values. But other than that, there isn't too much that I would want changed. Even when a show undergoes some sort of change, there are always things that need to be retained. In the case of UM, it needs to retain, for example, the standard 3-to-4-cases-per-episode format, which always worked for the series. I mean, I wouldn't want it to follow the one-case-per-episode format because it would be counterproductive for the show, since it would substantially lower the number of cases that are eventually put on the show (and I'm sure most UM fans would agree with me on that). In any case, I don't want a hypothetical new UM to emulate another show or to be "modernized" in the name of modernization. That would be a recipe for disaster.

As for cases that I would like to see on the show if it came back, one would be the 1995 murder of Deanna Cremin, a murder case from my home state of Massachusetts. She was a Somerville teenager who was found strangled to death behind a Somerville housing complex in March 1995. There were a few persons of interest, including her boyfriend, but there was not enough evidence to make any arrests.

[Hops3098]

I wasn't as keen on the final CBS version (the one that the First Look DVD's were done in) because I thought the theme song was watered down, and when they re-organized the case types I thought it got a bit awkward. The opening sequence had "Forbidden," "Vanished," and "Suspicion" mixed in with the case types, when they were never used. Also wasn't a fan breaking up "The Unexplained" into several types but that's probably a little too picky of me.

I personally would prefer as close to either the first or second NBC version as possible, because that formula clearly worked the best, albeit in a different era. But yes, the show would need to be updated in several ways. Texting in tips, having a well made app with pics of wanted, missing persons, & lost loves, I'd say yes use the satellite imagery but there's no reason to beat it to death. Obviously, they'd need a new host that could anchor the series for several years- my front runner would be Liam Neeson. But most of all, they have to be convincing to the audience that watching matters.

Originally Posted by smallmanbigmouth

it's clear the Spike TV version did the show a disservice. Goofy sound effects, the apparent use of a 1960s-era computer in the call center, unrefreshed segments from the original show, and a new theme song that was nothing like the one that made USM famous.

I've posted on the topic of Spike's failures before, but another one occurred to me after reading your note about the 60's era computer in the new call center. I think it was completely obvious to even the most novice viewer of the Spike version that the whole call center set was completely fake. When we watched the first run of the show, it felt like you really could solve a mystery, so the viewer's participation mattered. (Perhaps, it's you...)
There was no such feeling in the Spike version, in my opinion.

Originally Posted by smallmanbigmouth

Obviously, the show would have to change. It's not viable as a crime-fighting tool anymore, and the format of any new version of USM would have to reflect that.

I'm a little curious why you think UM would not be a viable crime-fighting tool today. The key to solving most of the mysteries profiled throughout the years was simple exposure to the most people possible. (Someone, Somewhere) I don't see how that principle has changed or disappeared in the past 15 years, unless you're simply saying the number of viewers would be smaller. If that's the case, I'm not sure I disagree, but only because the sheer amount of quality original programming dwarfs what was available in '87 (or even '97 for that matter.)

As far as cases go, I would have some pretty simple rules. Any case solved before 2000 & its update would not be shown. For the many original cases that have been solved or significantly updated since the original run, I would probably re-cut the segment with an good length update, but not air more than one of these segments in a show. Its important to have fresh cases to make the audience feel like they need to watch. I'm kind of torn on the subject of old, unsolved cases, but I think I would include them, but maybe only once every 8 segments or so.

[elg0rd0]

Originally Posted by Hops3098

I'm a little curious why you think UM would not be a viable crime-fighting tool today. The key to solving most of the mysteries profiled throughout the years was simple exposure to the most people possible. (Someone, Somewhere) I don't see how that principle has changed or disappeared in the past 15 years, unless you're simply saying the number of viewers would be smaller. If that's the case, I'm not sure I disagree, but only because the sheer amount of quality original programming dwarfs what was available in '87 (or even '97 for that matter.)

I'm going to agree, that the show would not be a viable tool for fighting crime. It's clear on some of the threads and a majority of the cases that the show sensationalized what possibly happened in the reenactments. I'm not by any stretch saying that cases weren't solved and people weren't brought to justice, as there have been numerous updates of cases being solved. Another big issue as cases became cold, in some instances information in the actual cases shown and the evidence law enforcement had in their hands sometimes did not match.

As for a new host I wouldn't mind seeing Rob Dyke host the show. Rob has done a very good job with his own internet show Seriously Strange and has talked about a lot of cases that would be a great addition to an updated UM show.

My list of cases that I would like to be aired is a really long list. There are so many high profile unsolved murders with twists, missing persons, unexplained phenomena since I started watching UM that there is possibly enough material for the show to run for another 30 years, if done right.

[smallmanbigmouth]

Hops3098, my thing about Unsolved Mysteries not being a viable crime-fighting tool is this: if you're a cop, and you have a murder with a fugitive on the loose, it's so much easier and quicker to get the word out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. instead of waiting for a TV show to maybe pick your case up, waiting for them to come film, and waiting for the actual episode to air. When it comes to child abductions, we now of course have Amber Alerts beamed to most cellphones and overhead highway signs, which can find an abducted child far more quickly (and have a much higher success rate) than a TV show, I think. You could argue, though, that a TV show might get the message out to a more diverse audience, and that counts for something.

Don't get me wrong...I would watch the hell out of a well-done new Unsolved Mysteries, especially if it took a page or two out of The Hunt with John Walsh...the style of that show is incredibly compelling.

[tarheelslim]

Originally Posted by elg0rd0

As for a new host I wouldn't mind seeing Rob Dyke host the show. Rob has done a very good job with his own internet show Seriously Strange and has talked about a lot of cases that would be a great addition to an updated UM show.

I've watched a bunch of his clips on YT and he is good.

It's shocking to see that level of professionalism on YT because the bar is so low there... Idk if he's ready for something as big as UM but it is certainly possible.

[mothball]

Originally Posted by Hops3098

Any case solved before 2000 & its update would not be shown. For the many original cases that have been solved or significantly updated since the original run, I would probably re-cut the segment with an good length update, but not air more than one of these segments in a show. Its important to have fresh cases to make the audience feel like they need to watch. I'm kind of torn on the subject of old, unsolved cases, but I think I would include them, but maybe only once every 8 segments or so.

I would also want to see a slice of the show dedicated toward brief updates to the cases that had later developments. An Alcatraz update, for instance, would be a good example of an old case that deserved an update. Updates showing people finally getting busted from the original cases well after the fact would be gratifying to watch. I'd say bring back the original theme and some of the background music as well. I agree that new cases would have to be the primary component.

[radiohead33]

Originally Posted by smallmanbigmouth

What would you want to change from the original show or the 2008 version?
What would you bring back?
What cases would you want to see?
What changes would have to be made to make the show viable as a regularly-scheduled TV show again?

I wonder what the show might be like if someone tried to put it back on the air -- it's clear the Spike TV version did the show a disservice. Goofy sound effects, the apparent use of a 1960s-era computer in the call center, unrefreshed segments from the original show, and a new theme song that was nothing like the one that made USM famous.

Obviously, the show would have to change. It's not viable as a crime-fighting tool anymore, and the format of any new version of USM would have to reflect that. It's kind of like what they did with The Hunt. It's much more cinematic than journalistic, like the original America's Most Wanted was. I imagine a new Unsolved Mysteries would have to take a similar route.

I'm curious to see what people think would have to be done with the show.

I don't think it can be brought back. Many of us grew up on the original UM. And would stay up late or watch in the daytime and get scared as hell by what we saw. Just the theme song and Stacks voice could send shivers down your spine. Since so many years have passed, and those who grew up on UM are now well into adulthood, its not the same.

The reason the show, the original was scary was because of the voice, the music, the re-enactments, and specifically the murder, disappearances, missing, episodes.

While we all want to know people came home, were found, are alive, justice was served, thats not why the show was successful and its not why I, or anyone else watched, if we are honest about it.

We watched because being scared is a drug. And the original was scary. id watch an episode of UM and be scared to go to the bathroom or walk around in my house. That wasn't because some "update" told me that someone was caught or found alive.

We watched because of Omar. Because of the Ellenders. Because of Kurt Sova. Because of the Wackers. because of Tommy Burkett. Because of Dave Bocks.

[radiohead33]

Originally Posted by smallmanbigmouth

What would you want to change from the original show or the 2008 version?
What would you bring back?
What cases would you want to see?
What changes would have to be made to make the show viable as a regularly-scheduled TV show again?

I wonder what the show might be like if someone tried to put it back on the air -- it's clear the Spike TV version did the show a disservice. Goofy sound effects, the apparent use of a 1960s-era computer in the call center, unrefreshed segments from the original show, and a new theme song that was nothing like the one that made USM famous.

Obviously, the show would have to change. It's not viable as a crime-fighting tool anymore, and the format of any new version of USM would have to reflect that. It's kind of like what they did with The Hunt. It's much more cinematic than journalistic, like the original America's Most Wanted was. I imagine a new Unsolved Mysteries would have to take a similar route.

I'm curious to see what people think would have to be done with the show.

As i said, most people didn't watch UM to fight crime. Nowadays we have entire channels and tv genres devoted to true crime. But do people watch 48 Hours Mystery, Dateline, Forensic Files, American Justice etc... because they want to solve crimes? Or do they watch it to feel the adrenaline rush of being scared? Of feeling what I described, of being a kid, and being so frightened of a tv show that you felt you couldn't move. Its the same reason we all spend millions each year on horror films and binge on slasher movies at Halloween. We don't do it to solve the next murder. We do it because we like the way it makes us feel.

The late 80's/early 90's are such a different time. Nowadays people can get their crime fix any number of ways. We have such access to so much information and photos, videos, clips. If the Wackers case happened in 2015, they'd be live tweeting it, they'd have videos up on youtube of what was happening, they'd be interviewed by major news, they'd have their own website. And we'd all discuss on reddit our views.

In the 80's/90's all you had was this show, and our imagination.

[xxxxmattxxxx69]

Have more informative updates on old cases if there were any recent revealations like if a suspect was released or if they passed after apprehension. Just don't butcher the show and updates that we have known for years like they are new and just happened

[DALLASTEXAN!!]

I've come to terms that the farina version is what we are left with now. If they do alter it again I would like to see it go back to its darker roots. It's too weak now with the generic guitar music and lack of new cases. And although I love Dennis Mary f-Ing poppins farina...I never really liked him as the host.

[purpletentacle]

I just want to watch every ****ing Robert Stack segment that has to do with crime, missing persons, unexplained death, and that ilk.

If they brought it back, I would want it to be as much like the original as possible, but with new stories and less stuff about ghosts and things that may not exist. Farina was okay, but hopefully someone is more capable of filling Stack's shoes.

[Hops3098]

Originally Posted by smallmanbigmouth

Hops3098, my thing about Unsolved Mysteries not being a viable crime-fighting tool is this: if you're a cop, and you have a murder with a fugitive on the loose, it's so much easier and quicker to get the word out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. instead of waiting for a TV show to maybe pick your case up, waiting for them to come film, and waiting for the actual episode to air. When it comes to child abductions, we now of course have Amber Alerts beamed to most cellphones and overhead highway signs, which can find an abducted child far more quickly (and have a much higher success rate) than a TV show, I think. You could argue, though, that a TV show might get the message out to a more diverse audience, and that counts for something.

Don't get me wrong...I would watch the hell out of a well-done new Unsolved Mysteries, especially if it took a page or two out of The Hunt with John Walsh...the style of that show is incredibly compelling.

Thanks for taking the time to reply to my question. I definitely agree that the internet and social media of today have provided amazing improvements for the distribution of this kind of information. The problem as I see it, is much the same as it was pre-UM. To solve most of these types of crimes you need to reach the highest number of people possible.
I'll use the example of a missing persons case from Lehigh Acres, FL. The investigating agency is the Lee County Sherrif's Department. Combined, their Twitter followers and Facebook likes are approximately 22,000 people ( many of whom may not even be active users anymore.) Now I agree that the speed at which they got the word out was amazing, but is that more valuable than a few months later reaching hundreds of thousands or into the millions? Especially since an intelligently re-done UM would capitalize on current social media as part of getting the word out.

I guess my point is, the UM model of bringing people together and empowering them to help Law Enforcement and ordinary families solve mysteries still works in my opinion. It just needs to be adapted to today in an intelligent and quality way.

[Hops3098]

Originally Posted by radiohead33

As i said, most people didn't watch UM to fight crime. Nowadays we have entire channels and tv genres devoted to true crime. But do people watch 48 Hours Mystery, Dateline, Forensic Files, American Justice etc... because they want to solve crimes? Or do they watch it to feel the adrenaline rush of being scared? Of feeling what I described, of being a kid, and being so frightened of a tv show that you felt you couldn't move. Its the same reason we all spend millions each year on horror films and binge on slasher movies at Halloween. We don't do it to solve the next murder. We do it because we like the way it makes us feel.

The late 80's/early 90's are such a different time. Nowadays people can get their crime fix any number of ways. We have such access to so much information and photos, videos, clips. If the Wackers case happened in 2015, they'd be live tweeting it, they'd have videos up on youtube of what was happening, they'd be interviewed by major news, they'd have their own website. And we'd all discuss on reddit our views.

In the 80's/90's all you had was this show, and our imagination.

I appreciate your points, but I do think you are painting with too broad of a brush.

I don't like horror or slasher films, I've never been skydiving or base jumping, nor do I race motorcycles for a rush. Yes, the powerful music, style of re-enactments, and Stack's presence played a large part of drawing me to the show week after week but like I have said before, I was also pulled in by the empowerment effect the show gave to its viewers. I don't know how many people were like I, but I have to assume that it is a statistically significant portion.

[Kane]

Originally Posted by purpletentacle

If they brought it back, I would want it to be as much like the original as possible, but with new stories and less stuff about ghosts and things that may not exist.

Purpletentacle, I'm glad to see that someone agrees with me on the former. If a TV show must be revived, the more it resembles the way it was in its original run, the better. If it's going to look like a different show, then it's going to be a disaster. When you overhaul a TV show to the point where it doesn't look the same, not only are you being disrespectful to the viewers who cherish the series, but you also trivialize it. Needless to say, UM was trivialized with the 2008 reboot. And no genuine fan likes to see his or her favorite TV show trivialized.