Geek Entertainment News and Commentary

“The Graysons” is Dead!

Friday, November 7th, 2008 at 9:46 am by Jami

And they didn’t have to strap anyone to a bomb to do it!

Angry Zen Minion S. Blue writes in with the exceedingly great news that plans for CW’s “The Graysons” have been scrapped. So relieved! “The Graysons” was to have taken the place of “Smallville” once that show ended. In a statement, the studio said:

The studio has opted not to go forward with the development of “The Graysons” at this time as the concept doesn’t fit the current strategy for the Batman franchise. Warner Bros. Television is currently working on several replacement options for the CW.

Whether this has anything to do with the possible outcome of the current Batman RIP storyline is unknown. But it is HIGHLY suspicious that Robin, Nightwing, and Birds of Prey have all been canceled. Speculation aside, I’m so happy this show got yanked. Get this, the show would have followed DJ (*groan*) as he dealt with love (meh), rivalry (meh), and his famous juggling act family (whuuuu?). Right, cause when I think flying through the air on a zip line, I think juggling.

Looks like the CW will have to scrounge for something else to fill the “Smallville” void. I vote for a Big Barda wrestling show!

[Via Variety]

5 Responses to ““The Graysons” is Dead!”

D2k
Posted: Nov 7th, 2008 at 2:43 pm

\o/ I just did a happy dance
CW not ruining Batman makes me happy
Though it could be fun to have a weekly live action superhero.
I think Green Arrow could be fun, especially if they didn’t take it very seriously.

Taellosse
Posted: Nov 7th, 2008 at 2:54 pm

The inherent problem with trying to replace Smallville with something like it, but not the same, is that virtually all superheroes (not just DC ones) get their powers in early adulthood–even mutants (or whatever we’re calling the people with genetic powers in DC’s universe) typically have no powers until late adolescence. So in order to follow the formula of “following the life of a superhero before he was a hero” is generally going to lack the interesting powers. Exceptions, such as Robin, who never has powers even as a super, remain uncompelling, because then it’s just another night-time soap opera about some guy (or girl).

Really the only way around this is with another hero with the same kind of origin as Superman–or an exception to the rule of adult power acquisition in some other manner, and there are very, very few of those. The only ones that spring to mind that’re at all similar are Captain Marvel/Billy Batson and the Martian Manhunter, and neither character has the kind of popular recognition to make a successful show.

Jack T Robyn
Posted: Nov 7th, 2008 at 6:30 pm

And there was much rejoicing.

How about a series about the younger, growing years of a supervillain. Or, heck, even the first steps into a life of crime for the first season, then the gradual push towards supervillainy (dealing with vigilantes) and a finale season with full-blown world domination stuff. We could use someone established or create a whole new character. Having DC in the corner would help with the CYA for familiar archetypes (though, honestly, DC has a history of beeing pretty chill about that).

I’ll work on a pilot pitch and get back to you . . .