FROM THE VALHALLA SECTOR
Issue 20 - April 10, 2003
=========================

1. Editor's Corner
2. Byron Lawson Interview (Part 2 of 2)
3. Mediawatch
4. New At The Abyss
5. JMS Speaks
6. Coming Attractions
7. Conclusion


EDITOR'S CORNER
===============

350 members and counting!

I've had precisely nine hours of sleep since Sunday morning, so
pardon me if I'm just a bit businesslike today:

1 - AIRDATE

We're still confused, because nobody agrees on anything related to
the season two premiere airdate.

JMS informed us in a newsgroup posting that the second season will
begin early to mid-August. Showtime says "summer." Magazines say
"September."

I don't know about you, but the fact that I was just ensconced in my
house for the entire weekend, a victim of a particularly annoying
ice storm, makes these dates feel further away than previously
imagined. Hang in there, folks.

2 - TIM TRUMAN TALKS

Tim Truman dropped by THE ABYSS to tell us that Luke and Malcolm
(yes, we're on a first-name basis) appeared in the March issue of
DETAILS magazine.

Neither Monica nor I could find a single copy after scouring the
shelves, but Tim tells us that our heroes are "featured modeling
clothes." One thing's for certain - the boys are in demand, a
conclusion we came up with after noting that copies of the magazine
are selling for $10 on eBay.

Anyway, Tim informed us that DETAILS cited the season two airdate as
occurring in September. Rats.

3 - THE THEME SONG

Tim also informed us that the season two theme song, "Looking at
Forever," will be sung by Paul Van of the up-and-coming rock band
Solarcade. Apparently, the song was first played at the end of "The
Long Road," so, if you're curious, rewind those tapes and take a
listen. You could also visit our "Clips and Sound Bytes" page
(http://abyss.hubbe.net/jeremiah/gallery/clips.html#music) for a
sample of it as well. Although Tim tells us the lyrics are
completely and totally hush-hush (MGM decree), he did say that
there's a version ready for radio airplay and that "the song has
become surprisingly relevant in relation to world events." We look
forward to hearing the revised version!

4 - INTERVIEWS

We'll be doing an interview with Solarcade in the near future. If
there's anything you'd like to know about the recording process, the
music business, or what life is like struggling to make a name for
yourself on the West Coast scene, send your questions to
jeremiah_fans@.... In the meantime, check out their web site
and music at: http://www.solarcade.com/

5 - FIRST SEASON, REDUX

An anonymous behind-the-scenes source tells us that the first season
will be re-broadcast starting in June, and that "Things Left Unsaid"
will meld seamlessly into the beginning of S2. We can't find
confirmation on the official boards or schedules of this new
development yet, however.

6 - ERIN (REALLY) SPEAKS

Ingrid Kavelaars told the magazine Cult Times that in the second
season, Erin has "become more vocal" and that "people are listening
to her." The exact quote is below, hanging about in Mediawatch,
along with some new Peter Stebbings information.

7 - NEW STUFF!

We like our stuff, so we're sure you will, too. Our fleece items are
gone (a sign that Spring is right around the corner) and have made
the Jr. Baby Doll T-shirts available in X-Large.

There's also a limited edition bear so get the goodies below!

8 - JEREMIAH IN THE UK

Those of you with a British accent have probably found yourselves on
the receiving end of a bad scheduling change: Sky One changed the
timeslot from 10 p.m. to 1:50 a.m. A few loyal readers forwarded these
responses from the network, which doesn't explain much:

"Jeremiah was subject to a general schedule change. Unfortunately, there
is no information available at present regarding Season 2 of this series."

"At present, there are no plans to move this series back to its original
time slot."

"I can confirm that it was a general scheduling decision to alter the
broadcast time. At present, there are no plans to revert back to the
original time."

Hang in there, Brits.

9 - COMING TO ISRAEL

Jeremiah is coming to Israel. Check your local listings or stay tuned to
our site for updates. A local Thunder mountain operative has promised to
keep us up-to-date.

Ok, I'm gonna grab some Z's. Here follows the good stuff:


BYRON LAWSON INTERVIEW (PART 2 of 2)
====================================

A little while ago, Byron Lawson sat down and answered some of our ABYSS
cast questions -- even though we bet he was wishing he were in Brazil.
Here's the second half of our exclusive interview, where Byron talks about
how the acting bug bit him, working with "No Limits", and the love of a
good mojito.

THE ABYSS: What was the most outrageous thing you had to do on the set
while on the job portraying Lee?

BYRON LAWSON: Trying not to laugh when we were shooting a scene in
"Tripwire" at Thunder Mountain. We were all in the scene and it was
getting really late in the day. So we had to get the shot in. We all got
the crazy giggles and just could not stop. Yet I had to be the serious guy
and could not keep a straight face!

ABYSS: How did you come to choose acting as a career? Was it a gradual
process, or did you just fall into it? Was there a moment, a person, or a
feeling that you had that affected your decision - and have you ever
regretted it?

BYRON: I have a very good friend in the film industry, and in many ways I
always wanted to try acting. So he hooked me up with an agency, which got
me my first audition. I booked it and ever since then I've been in love
with Acting. So I guess I did sort of fall into it. I have never regretted
choosing this as my career.

In many ways I always wondered why the hell would I choose a crazy job
like this. John Turturro once said that the closest to heaven anyone can
reach, would be to have a job you are in love with. I guess this would be
it. I get excited every day I go to work, wondering what it's going to be
like. It's a high you can't explain!

ABYSS: We've noticed that many Canadian actors involved with "Jeremiah"
have "made the rounds," so to speak, of shows like "Da Vinci's Inquest"
and "Stargate SG-1." Have you gotten to know any of your co-workers on
Jeremiah through other shows? How competitive is the job market up there
when it comes to these kinds of shows?

BYRON: I've never worked with any of the actors from Jeremiah, but I have
crossed paths with many of them here, because there is a very small acting
community here. So I have gotten to know many of them outside of Jeremiah.
It is a very competitive market up here.

You have to realize we are also competing with everyone south of the
border as well. Every larger role up here is usually being cast
throughout North America. Everyone seems to have this mis-conception that
it all goes to the Canadians. NOT TRUE! We have to earn every job just
like everyone else.

ABYSS: One of the things we consistently hear from the actors on Babylon 5
is that they were allowed by the writing and the production team to really
dig into the script and play around with their characters as much as
humanly possible. Is this true on Jeremiah?

BYRON: Absolutely, Joe is very open to everyone's thoughts. He has an open
door policy with all his actors. That's why it's GREAT working with Joe!

ABYSS: How does working for a show meant for a no-boundaries, no-ads
network like Showtime differ from a show created for a cable or broadcast
network, where there are distinct barriers to what you can do storywise?

BYRON: One word "Awesome." It helps you to really get to know your
character as oppose to just knowing your lines. You can have a lot more
fun and at the same time make your character more interesting. It's much
more "FREEING".

ABYSS: We've heard that some scenes are done twice - one for the
uncensored Showtime version, and one for the version eventually intended
for syndication. Are there distinct differences? We can't imagine the show
without Jeremiah's often colorful temper tantrums. Have you, personally,
been involved with any of these rewrites?

BYRON: The only difference would be the profanity would be omitted and
that's it. The energy and feel would definitely still be there.

ABYSS: You're at a restaurant that serves Italian, Greek, and Chinese.
What dish would you be most inclined to order, what would you be wearing,
and who would you be with?

BYRON: I'd order whatever I felt like that day. I love all kinds of food.
I'd probably be with many of my friends [and a lot of them] have nothing
to do the film industry.

ABYSS: Let's say it's ten years from now. Where are you and what are you
doing?

BYRON: Relaxing on some beach in BRAZIL with family and friends just
chillin' with a Mojito in hand and waiting for the sun to rise.

ABYSS: If you had a choice of doing any production, anywhere, under any
director, in any role - what would it be?

BYRON: Wow! That's a tough one, there are -so- many directors I'd love to
work with. I would have to say if I were only given ONE choice, that
would be to play some dirty, gritty, over the edge freak, shooting
somewhere in Europe (Spain would be a pleasant location). The director
would be Mr. David Fincher!

ABYSS: Do you have a dream? What is it?

BYRON: Only one and that is live life loving every choice I've made.

ABYSS: What is your greatest achievement?

BYRON: Staying focused on doing what I really enjoy doing. "Staying on
bus!"

ABYSS: What do you do on a typical Saturday night? A typical Tuesday
night? How did you celebrate your last birthday?

BYRON: I do what anyone else would do from partying, watch a movie, hang
with family and friends. And of course, watch "Jeremiah"!!

ABYSS: Has JMS said anything about where your character is going - and if
so, how much can you tell us?

BYRON: I have no idea where my character is going, and that is what seems
to work best. We never find out till we get the scripts.

ABYSS: Is there anything else you'd like to say to our readers? Anything
you'd like?

BYRON: Thanks to all you for watching the show, because we are all having a
blast making it!


Thank you to everyone who submitted a question! Look for an HTML version
on THE ABYSS web site soon.


MEDIAWATCH
==========

While this isn't specifically Jeremiah related, there is a very long but
insightful and in-depth article with J. Michael Straczynski in Sketch
Magazine. There are so many great quotes from the article but here is just
one of them:

"On the flip side, however, there are any number of things that, for lack
of a better term, kind of get caught in my personal filter and tend to
come out in my writing. I'm working on a number of things in my own mind,
have been for a long time now: the role of the individual in society, the
nature of god, the meaning of existence (I know that sounds all
high-falutin' and all but that's the only way to break it down), the
obligations we have to one another as citizens ... and these areas are
constantly slipping into my work, even when I'm not conscious of doing
so."

http://www.hypethis.com/interviews/interview_jmichaelstraczynski.html

****

Here's an article in the Cult Times magazine, a UK publication, that
features Ingrid Kavelaars (Ingrid) and Peter Stebbings. You can buy it
here:
http://www.visimag.com/culttimes/c88_display.htm

Thanks to the generosity of the PeterStebbings Yahoo!Group, you can read
it for free! Just go to the files section of our Yahoo!Group to read the
scanned in article:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jeremiah-news/files/Magazine%20Articles/

****

Another behind-the-scenes source sends us this news item from an
unidentified publication:

Apr.1.2003
----------
"'Jeremiah,' the network's sci-fi series which stars Luke Perry and
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, will begin running fresh installments in August
according to creator-executive producer J. Michael Straczynski. Like
'Time,' 'Jeremiah' will add a new cast member this season when Sean
Astin ('The Lord of the Rings') joins the drama as the mysterious Mr.
Smith who partners with Warner's character, Kurdy. Production is almost
complete on its second season of 15 episodes."

****

TV Zone Issue #161
April 2003
http://www.visimag.com/acatalog/VI_DIRECT_Catalog_TV_Zone_2003_162.html
http://www.visimag.com/tvzone/index.htm

"Babylon 5: The start of our celebrations of 10 years since the start of
the series. Creator/writer J Michael Straczymski tells the story of the
first season in his candid style."

****

Sci Fi Magazine, Vol 9 / Number 2
April 2003
http://scifi.com/scifimag/

Post-Apocalypse Now
"The creators of Jeremiah are jumping for joy, thanks to Showtime's
renewal of their hit series. By Melissa J. Perenson"

You can also find it scanned and posted at:
(Search for "2/24 A cool article about Jeremiah")
http://www.bagendinn.com/sean.htm

Or read it in our Files section:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jeremiah-news/files/Magazine%20Articles/

****

Cult Times Issue #90
March 2003
http://www.visimag.com/culttimes/c90_display.htm

"Jeremiah
Co-producer Gregory Noveck takes us through the dangerous world of
Jeremiah. Find out how Luke Perry and Malcolm-Jamal Warner have survived
in this post-apocalyptic environment."


NEW AT THE ABYSS
================

We added an Ingrid Kavelaars quote from the Cult Times magazine:
http://abyss.hubbe.net/jeremiah/cast/recurring.html#erin

"In the show's second season, which we're currently filming, Erin has
become far more vocal. She has an opinion and people are listening to
her."

****

We also added a Peter Stebbings quote from the Cult Times magazine:
http://abyss.hubbe.net/jeremiah/cast/recurring.html#markus

"As I began running through my lines, I quickly discovered what an
interesting character Markus was. I was drawn to his humanity and the
complexity of his struggle to keep this little world of his called
Thunder Mountain together in what is otherwise a chaotic universe."

****

There is another Peter Stebbings quote from the Cult Times magazine that
we added as well:
http://abyss.hubbe.net/jeremiah/eps/101-102.html#jms

"I found in filming the pilot that the show's writing staff is very
precise about their words. Joe [Michael Straczynski] doesn't like you
taking liberties with his language. You have to follow it specifically.
So what you see me saying on-screen is exactly what he wrote."

****

Finally, we added some Sean Astin quotes from Dreamwatch magazine:
http://abyss.hubbe.net/jeremiah/cast/main.html#smith

"The premise of the character is that he's either an unwitting prophet or
a fool, and Joe [Michael Strazcynski] hasn't told me which. He wants the
audience to make up their own mind about it. So either God is talking
through me, as Mister Smith claims, or he's not."

"I'm contractually obligated for a year and then, if it gets picked up,
for half of next year, I think. That doesn't mean they couldn't kill me
off, and that doesn't mean that I wouldn't agree to continue going beyond
that. You can never tell what Joe will come up with. I'm prepared for any
eventuality. I'm strapped into the seat and holding on for dear life and
trying to keep up with the voice!"

****

We found a bunch of high-resolution photos on MGM's web site that were
"hidden" which have been added to the gallery. Most are from THE LONG ROAD
and even include that blond woman who we saw in OUT OF THE ASHES in a
flashback. The pictures provide some interesting insight and we wish we
knew more about her.

There were over 60 images added (some of which were just better quality
ones that we had previously) so that brings our gallery image total to
almost 650 images! Find the newest additions here:
http://abyss.hubbe.net/jeremiah/gallery/jim.pike?key=new

****

More updates to the FAQ:
http://abyss.hubbe.net/jeremiah/faq.html#s2start

* When will season two premiere?

MGM's official site now says "all new episodes coming this summer" and an
unconfirmed magazine states "September 2003". However, JMS finally posted
an update about the latest information he has heard:

"Last I heard, year two is set to debut in the US around the first week of
August. They want to be able to debut their new series Dead Like Me in
June/July or so, let that get its sea-legs, then we come out in August.
(Mar.28.2003)

****

More updates to our CafePress shop!
http://abyss.hubbe.net/jeremiah/shop/cp.html

The fleece products are gone with the exception of the fleece pullovers.
Also, the Spring Cleaning sale is now over but we do have a LIMITED
EDITION ITEM! Help support war vets by purchasing one of our Military
stuffed bears. These bears come in two outfits - Army green and Marine
Camouflage. Available while supplies last:
http://www.cafeshops.com/cp/prod.aspx?p=abyss_logos.5511203

NOTE! The "Theo Imagine" limited edition design will be removed from our
shop soon so get your merchandise that features this gorgeous design while
you still can:
http://www.cafeshops.com/abyss_imagine

Product Update -- We're pleased to announce that the Jr. Baby Doll
T-Shirts are now available in X-Large!

"Imagine" Baby Doll T-Shirt
http://www.cafeshops.com/cp/prod.aspx?p=abyss_imagine.4729998
"Nightmares" Baby Doll T-Shirt
http://www.cafeshops.com/cp/prod.aspx?p=abyss_jeremiah.4445863


JMS SPEAKS
==========

Apr.1.2003
----------
"How many installments is the column you've written/are writing for
TVZone, JMS?"

Five in total, one per season.

****

Mar.31.2003
-----------
[S]eason 2 of Jeremiah is just about finished in terms of production, and
will go on the air sometime probably early or mid August.

****

Mar.28.2003
-----------
It's a weird bit of synchronicity that has always been the case with my
work when I'm kind of riding the right waves, for lack of a better term.
Riding the synchronicity wave might be a better one. They went through B5,
echoing now, and they continue with Jeremiah.

In our story, we're moving toward a truly massive conflagration, a major
war, and in the course of filming one particular episode, as the shit hits
the fan, one character says, "Let's go kill some of the enemy and make
some noise."

As it happened, by yet another weird coincidence of timing, at the moment
we shot that scene, the bombs started falling in Baghdad.

Some of the cast are becoming increasingly creeped out by this....

****

Mar.28.2003
-----------
Last I heard, year two is set to debut in the US around the first week of
August. They want to be able to debut their new series Dead Like Me in
June/July or so, let that get its sea-legs, then we come out in August.

We're currently in the last phase of shooting our two-part season finale
"Interregnum."


COMING ATTRACTIONS
==================

USA: Showtime
-------------
If you are one of the lucky bast--er I mean folks who actually receive the
channel SHOWTIME BEYOND, you will be able to see some Jeremiah this month!
However, you will probably have to set your recording devices for the wee
hours of the night in order to see it.

Apr.10.2003 @ 2:50 AM (ET/PT)
#7: City of Roses

Apr.16.2003 @ 3:15 AM (ET/PT)
#8: Firewall

Apr.19.2003 @ 3:20 AM (ET/PT)
#9: The Red Kiss

For more information, visit:
http://abyss.hubbe.net/jeremiah/eps/sch_us.html

CANADA: Adrenaline Drive
------------------------
The season finale is coming up at the end of the month!

Apr.8.2003 @ 8:00 PM (MT)
#17: Out of the Ashes

Apr.15.2003 @ 8:00 PM (MT)
#18: A Means to an End

Apr.22.2003 @ 8:00 PM (MT)
#19: Things Left Unsaid (Part 1)

Apr.29.2003 @ 8:00 PM (MT)
#20: Things Left Unsaid (Part 2)

For more information, visit:
http://abyss.hubbe.net/jeremiah/eps/sch_ca.html#ad

CANADA: The Movie Network
-------------------------
They are throwing in some extra re-runs now and then so make sure you
check their schedule if you miss it the first time around!

Apr.14.2003 @ 9:00 PM (ET)
#14: Tripwire

Apr.21.2003 @ 1:15 PM (ET)
#15: Ring of Truth

Apr.28.2002 @ 9:00 PM (ET)
#16: Moon in Gemini

May.5.2002 @ 11:30 AM (ET)
#17: Out of the Ashes

May.12.2003 @ 9:00 PM (ET)
#18: A Means to an End

May.18.2003 @ 2:30 PM (ET)
#19: Things Left Unsaid (Part 1)

May.26.2003 @ 9:00 PM (ET)
#20: Things Left Unsaid (Part 2)

For more information, visit:
http://abyss.hubbe.net/jeremiah/eps/sch_ca.html#tmn

FRANCE: CineFaz
---------------
Tom Hobbes from B5TV told us that there are no repeats on CineFaz'
schedule after the season one finale.

For more information, visit:
http://abyss.hubbe.net/jeremiah/eps/sch_fr.html

NEW ZEALAND: Sky Network
------------------------
We don't see anything on their schedule beyond the season finale so we
hope you caught it the first time around!

For more information, visit:
http://abyss.hubbe.net/jeremiah/eps/sch_nz.html

UNITED KINGDOM: Sky One
-----------------------
Many thanks to all of you who have emailed me with information regarding
the UK schedule!

It appears that SkyOne has changed the regular time slot from 10pm to
1:50am. Please adjust your recording devices as necessary and double check
the time with other web sites. They haven't given a reason other than it
was a "general scheduling decision to alter the broadcast time". We highly
encourage you to contact SkyOne to address this issue and express your
enjoyment of the series. Finally, let them know another season is going to
air in the States in August 2003!

Apr.14.2003 @ 10:00 PM (GMT)
#17: A Means to an End

Apr.26.2003 @ 3:55 AM (GMT)
#19/20: Things Left Unsaid -- Unconfirmed

May.3.2003 @ 3:30 AM (GMT)
#18: A Means to an End

May.6.2003 @ 1:50 AM (GMT)
#19: Things Left Unsaid (Part 1)

May.6.2003 @ 2:40 AM (GMT)
#20: Things Left Unsaid (Part 2)

For more information,
visit: http://abyss.hubbe.net/jeremiah/eps/sch_uk.html

SOUTH AFRICA: SABC3
-------------------
Coming to the episode that JMS said, "We really kick over some tables with
this one" which is FIREWALL

Apr.11.2003 @ 8:30 PM (SAST)
#5: To Sail Beyond the Stars

Apr.18.2003 @ 8:30 PM (SAST)
#6: The Bag

Apr.25.2003 @ 8:30 PM (SAST)
#7: City of Roses

May.2.2003 @ 8:30 PM (SAST)
#8: Firewall

For more information,
visit: http://abyss.hubbe.net/jeremiah/eps/sch_za.html

ISRAEL: ICP Channel 3
---------------------
We don't have any schedule information so far but they did announce that
it would debut on April 26, 2003 at 11:40pm on ICP Channel 3. It should
air every Saturday at 11:40pm

For more information,
visit: http://abyss.hubbe.net/jeremiah/eps/sch_il.html


CONCLUSION
==========

September. Well, I suppose it's better than "never."

See you all next time - and don't forget to send in those questions for
Solarcade.


Monica & Channe
---------------
To reach Monica, ABYSS webmaster, write to abyss@...
To reach Channe, newsletter guru, write to channethewriter@...