With just a few weeks to go before launching its freshman series, sci fi drama Bionic Woman, starring Michelle Ryan as the bionically-enhanced barmaid/superagent Jamie Sommers, has lost one of its showrunners.
Following a rumor I heard yesterday afternoon, NBC has confirmed that Glen Morgan (The X-Files) has left the series, effective immediately. The excuse being given for his sudden and unexpected departure? The typical "creative differences."
"Glen Morgan has helped create a great template for Bionic Woman but has decided to pursue other endeavors now," said studio NBC Universal in a prepared statement. "We wish him the best."
Following Morgan's departure, fellow executive producer/showrunner David Eick (Battlestar Galactica) will assume all oversight for the day-to-day running of the series, working in coordination with Jason Smilovic (Kidnapped).
There was talk yesterday that Morgan's decision to leave Bionic Woman would cause a shutdown in production on the NBC series, but NBC claims that there will be no work stoppage. However, many still believe that there may be a "break" in production in order to allow the writers to adjust to a change in creative direction.
Curiouser and curiouser. Though Variety is quick to point out that both Grey's Anatomy and Brothers & Sisters took hiatuses early on and both became the ratings juggernauts that they are today. Will Bionic Woman buck this trend?
Bionic Woman debuts September 26th at 9 pm on NBC.
This show looks terrible and the fact that Morgan has now left makes me want to watch it even less. Sorry, Variety, but it's never a good sign when a showrunner walks off a show after its started production. Glen, hope you find some better work elsewhere.
Not a good sign but I do have faith in David Eick. Hopefully he can make something great out of this not-so-good situation.
I really enjoyed the pilot and truly think that Eick will step up and keep the show at the level of the other show he works on, Battlestar Galactica.
It's unnerving to see someone associated with such a success as "X-Files" bailing out of BW before it even debuts.
It would be interesting to know what really prompted Morgan to resort to using the ejector seat so early into the flight.
Page 48 - i'm curious like you - i wonder why Glen really left? Anyway i don't believe that this is end for BW. The show hasn't debuted yet. Hopefully it will be good. Also hopefully they have fixed the problems with the pilot ie bad special effects and so, so script.
Perhaps he was also disheartened by the show's complete and utter lack of levity or humor.
GWS, complete and utter lack of levity and humour would put it in the same camp as "24", which is heading into Season 7.
"Jericho" was no substitute for laughing gas, but when the word got out that it was canceled, fans revolted.
I just polished off "The Bourne Ultimatum" without cracking a smile.
If I need a shot of levity, I can look in the mirror, but it's not a necessary ingredient of action TV.
Page48, I agree completely. Battlestar Galactica doesn't make me roll on the floor with laughter but it is the most well written show on TV right now.