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November 15, 08:36 PM

Ideas...Inspirations...

On "Medium," stories come from everywhere. When we first started the series a great deal of what we did was inspired by things that actually happened to the real Allison DuBois. Allison toils largely in the judicial system, which churns rather slowly and doesn't actually provide enough fodder for 22 episodes a year. I have chastised her about this on numerous occasions! The result is that we, particularly in the last year and a half, get most of our ideas from the minds of writers. The inspiration for any given show is hard to pin down.

Tonight's episode was the result of my continuing belief that animation would be a wonderful way to depict dreams. Javier Grillo-Marxuach came up with the skeleton for the story. At the same time, Rene Echevarria another executive on the show became convinced that there was a great story in an old lover of Allison's arriving on her doorstep at the moment of his death. At the same time, I was developing a story that revolved around the idea of four separate dreams. And at THAT very moment Kevin Reilly at NBC was asking if there was something special we could do to start our third season. In a kind of "Eureka!" moment, we realized that by putting all these elements together we could create an ambitious, and I hope satisfying, two-hour story.l

COMMENTS

Hi Glen..just wondering wasn't allison's maiden name different earlier in the season. It wasnt Rowland..it was more like Dubois...or at least her brothers name was similar..am I losing it?

Well Glenn Gordon Caron
I was more than satisfying. I did not move from my chair for 2 hours! I loved it. It was brilliant.

Believe it or not, the first thing I said to my husband tonight was that this was an unusual show as it had 4 story lines going on at the same time. I tend to like shows with more than one but don't recall having to follow 4. I'm kinda strange that way, but I do like to keep track of at least 3 things at a time. So that's another reason I found the show so riveting tonight. Will the new episodes have more than two story lines going forward?

I do like the way you have several story lines going at the same time! That layering makes it even more interesting.

well it came out amazing !!
it was one of my more favorite episodes this season, haha just kidding, one of my favorites of all time, i liked the way there were so many things going on in those few days, and how at the end all connected by the thought of dream, i really liked how those different storys were woven into one moral

It didn't seem like two hours watching something that keeps your interest.
It was a fantastic third season opener been waiting for the new season but why the day change.

Have you ever considered taking ideas from the audience and the "winner" could come on the set for a tour. Just a thought.

Travis

PS: I'm in the hospital right now in Cleveland Children's and I'm having alot of fun, so thanks for keeping me entertained these last posts.

Some viewers are complaining that the various storylines were rather confusing to follow, but I personally don't think it was too much to digest, especially in a two-hour premiere. Also being a big House fan, I can't help wondering if it was at least partially inspired by that series' award-winning and similarly multi-layered "Three Stories" episode?

FT

animation is a brilliant way to depict, especially a childs dream or dreams. I think it would be great to do that again but it wouldn't always have to be monkeys would it? It was enjoyable and interesting.

What inspired bringing diabetes into the episode?
inquiring minds want to know and will you continue mentioning it, some un-named series bring in the onset or diagnosis and than blow it off, yet in ALL reality its 24/7 incureable and worthy of continuing even if suttle.
Thanks

Glen,
The show was really great!!! This was the very first time that I have seen the show. I know it won't be my last I really did enjoy it. It was very creative.

EDIT

When i said i was having "fun" in the previous post, i meant i'm having fun on this blog. The hospital sucks.

Travis

I loved it!! A perfect start to this season-it kept me wondering till the end how it all came together. I'm so excited that the show is back on, and the new day & time is gonna fit in great because its right after my other 3 fave shows!

Tonight was fantastic!! You created a great show by infusing writers imaginations, however, I hope you continue to talk to Allison because she is the true idea person of the show. (sorry, you know that) I am elated that you are back on this season. Even people I don't expect to like the show, do, including my sister who is so earthbound. Of course, that's your brillance, to reach all people in all levels of consciousness. I'm a writer and I usually figure out the story before anyone I'm watching the show with, so what does that say to you?? Probably nothing because that's enough about me, lets talk about you, what do you think about me? Seriously, to me it says I'm psychic or a hell of a detective (or writer). Thanks for great stories, great actors, great ideas, and your inspiration. This show encourages us to be good human beings.

If you're interested in hearing about some real life 'true stories' from someone exceptionally gifted, who interprets dreams using a spiritual gift, like Joseph of the bible (who interpreted the famous dream for Pharaoh) and has a wealth of information about dreams, someone who has interpreted over 7,000 dreams to date, please contact us. The Soul Whisperer was recently dubbed "America's foremost Soul Whisperer" and one who has prophetic dreams, at the BBC LiveFive Sports during the summer when she was a contributer at BBC LiveFive relative to posting insights, tips and solutions on the English team during the 2006 World Cup.
She and fellow Soul whisperer and prophetic dreamer, Victor Simwala, would see this as an opportunity to teach people more about the wealth of help/support(and vast potential) of dreams.

If you are truly interested, we would be able, upon request to interpret a few of your submitted dreams for a spiritual interpretation or we could give you a sample of a few previously interpreted dreams which were shared on TV.

One of these is a dream which Kelsey Grammer dreamt (years ago) and shared on an Oprah show that included information about his daughter. It's very interesting to learn of a dream's 'true meaning' when interpreted by someone with a spiritual gift (as opposed to trying to break a dream down using the mental approach only.)

Call us at 520-622-2007 to arrange for an interview or email us at predictions@earthlink.net

You can also visit:
www.soulwhisperers.net

P.S.We know you're interested in good entertainment but we also noticed there is an 'educator element' in there too-(this is where we could come in to help); good work with the piece on diabetes and some of the warning signs, strong thirst, losing sight etc... Excellent.

Can anyone tell me the name of the actor who played the dead ex-boyfriend?

I have enjoyed Medium since it began. However, I am very disappointed that it has become so much in the vein of Stephen King or Hitchcock. It isn't a horror flick. I asked myself while watching if the writers have taken leave of their senses. The 11/29 show was gore and not at all entertaining. CSI would have been a better choice. You had a very good show, and more was not necessary. Think about it. How many times has it been necessary for Law and Order to inject more gore than needed or how many times have you seen sex between L & O's main characters in order to keep the public's interest? Never. It is a classic show. You have a great show. Please do not trash it up with horror and sex. Neither is necessary. They can destroy its classic presence, however.

This was an excellent way to begin the season. NBC made us wait way too long but we must say this show made it very worthwhile. Good things do come to those who wait!

I love the show and don't miss it. However, please eliminate some of the breakfast chatter - that contributes nothing to the plot or entertainment.

Is there a template or guidelines for writing a script for the show? I'd like to submit a story.

Rick xwriter05@yahoo.com

I've just watched the 4.25.07 episode and can't find any other way to contact someone involved with this series. Your blog entry about animation seems pertinent, and the perfect opportunity. I wondered whether the opening scene made subtle but conscious reference to Little Nemo in Slumberland or Dreams of the Rarebit Fiend, both by Windsor McKay, a turn-of-the-century cartoonist and animator who was obsessed with dreams. All of his stories begin and end with a nightmare, much like Medium's weekly opening sequence. Perhaps referencing McCay in a more obvious way (making the reference part of the exposition of some individual plotline or series of clams) would be smart and Tarantinian, Little Nemo is an aesthetic signifier, you'd be acknowledging a possible influence, and the old-fashioned style and surrealism might be funky to incorporate. I've always thought yours was the only psychic-based show with taste and intelligence. Smart references would confirm as much, and reveal you to be leagues above the treacle on another network (which features a well-meaning Jennifer Love Hewett). I'm not looking for credit (I'm not related to McCay); I simply enjoy it when you add semi-obscure but important cultural nutrition. McCay is part of the zeitgeist. -- Thanks for listening.

Medium is my very favorite TV show. I am a democrat who has never voted Republican. I still found the similarities to the Senator on this episode to be shockingly similar to Senator McCain. In a non-election year the similarity would be just deeply offensive. In an election year to even suggest that a candidate practiced canniblism is grossly irresponsible. If you had aired an episode about a black senator from Illinois who was a murederer the show would have been forced off the air. The fact that Senator McCain is a white Republican does not excuse this kind of grotesque inuendo. I understand that many shows use current events , but this type of association of canniblism and murder with a Senator who is running for President is immoral.
I demand that a public apology to Senator McCain be made. This has ruined my appreciation of my favorite show. Unless a very public apology is made you will lose me as a viewer. I've discussed this with other fans of the show, all Democrats who are equally offended.

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