Colony – An Update
It’s been a difficult few weeks for the “Colonists” or “Outliers” – fans of the cancelled USA Network show, Colony. From multiple successful petitions to watch parties, from mailing postcards to holding twitter trending campaigns, and even mini alien dudes being sent out to various networks – There’s not much the fans didn’t do to “save” their show.
That Guy On Twitter
For those of you that don’t already know – I’m “that guy” behind the Proxy Snyder twitter fandom account. I’ve been insanely involved with the Colony fandom – right from the start. I bring this up because a few days ago I sent a tweet out to Ryan Condal (showrunner) looking for some insight into his thoughts on saving the show.
Hey @WrathOfCondal, I know you’re a busy dude… BUT… there’s a whole bunch of fans still doing everything they can to #SaveColony.
Would you take a minute to respond? Let us know your thoughts? Keep going? Stop? Appreciate it? Hate it? Anything?
Please, give us something.
— Proxy Snyder (@ProxySnyder) August 30, 2018
Condal has admittedly been very quiet since the cancellation - and probably for good reason - it hurts. No one likes their show getting cancelled. Fans, cast, crew, showrunners - It sucks for everyone.
UPDATE Sept. 4, 2018
Ryan just tweeted that our fears are correct:
Colonists:
Thank you from the bottom of my stone heart for all your passion and effort.
But, sadly, #Colony is dead.
The reasons are complicated, mostly dumb, and would provide little comfort.
But know that @WesTooke and I shall return with new things from new places.
♥ RC
— Ryan Condal (@WrathOfCondal) September 4, 2018
The Right Hand Man
If you don't know Wes Tooke - He's the other big dog behind the show. Writer, Executive Producer, All-Around-Awesome-Guy... He did respond to my tweet - and I sincerely appreciate it.
I’m not speaking in any sort of official capacity, but I see no signs that #Colony is going to come back. I’m sorry… it’s truly not a reflection on your incredible efforts. And no, I don’t understand it either.
— Wes Tooke (@WesTooke) September 3, 2018
While it's not "official" and it's based on his experience with the show and working with Ryan - It's suggestive enough to understand that avenues have been checked, but no solution was found to save the show.
Is It Final?
Here's the honest answer... TV is a tough business. We, as fans, see ourselves as the client or customer of the various television networks out there. The truth is, we're just part of the marketing to the real customers - the advertisers. Without enough of us, at some point - the return on investment isn't great enough to continue. It's sad and it sucks - but it's reality.
We needed more of us. Consistently. It's too late now, but remember that for future shows you become invested in. Watch those shows LIVE. It counts - a lot.
So, can Colony still be saved? Most likely not. There's a 99.9% chance it will never come back - not in another season, movie, book, etc... BUT - there is still that .1% chance that somewhere down the road a network grabs it up or USA Network decides to do a movie, mini-series, or whole new season.
What Should Fans Do?
Should you quit? Not exactly. Continue to support the show. Watch it on Netflix. Buy it on Amazon. Tweet out your love for Colony whenever you want! You don't have to abandon the show just because the majority of hope is gone. Why not keep sharing the love of the show and the glimmer of hope that one day something changes? You might just bring in new viewers to the show. (Not that it will increase the chances of being saved - but don't you want new people to see how amazing this show is?)
What you shouldn't do is waste your time, energy, or money on something that is likely never to happen. The postcards are great, the t-shirts are fun, and sending all our "gifts" to the networks was certainly worth it. But no reason to invest further money into something we have no control over. Don't tweet Netflix or Amazon or Hulu or even USA Network 10 times a day. They know already.
You're better served as fans by tweeting out words of support for the cast, crew, and the show itself. Plus, you know people like Tory, Peter, and Wes definitely appreciate it. We haven't heard much from Josh - but a source tells me Sarah Wayne Callies is super impressed by the fandom - She definitely appreciates all of us.
Thank You
It's been a lot of fun "playing" Proxy on twitter. I've interacted with and met some of the most amazing people in the Colony fandom. I'm just as hurt, disappointed, and angry as all the hardcore Colony fans are. So, I'd like to take a moment...
Thank you to the cast and crew of the show. You have been PHENOMENAL to interact or chat with. Peter actually called me on my 40th birthday. What actor does that? Tory Kittles sent me the most amazing present. BROUSSARD has a heart!? Indeed, he does. An amazing cast and crew - Thank you so much!
To all the fans that have been part of this "Save Colony" effort and to all the amazing fans on social media that took time out of their day to take part in my Proxy-nonsense. THANK YOU. It's been SO much fun sending people to the Factory, receiving hate-tweets, and live-tweeting about the show. When I started that silly account years ago, I had no idea how crazy and fun it would become. Seriously, Colony fans are the frickin best.
In Conclusion...
Continue to love the show - keep spreading the word about how awesome it is! A great way to show your love and support is to follow the cast and crew as they do other projects. Watch them. Support them. They gave us Colony, they'll give us something else - something new to look forward to.
And for those of you reading this that work at a television network... I love this damn show. WE love this show. We could love you, too.
Which 2019 TV Show Should Be Saved? VOTE!