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MacGyver Online Forums > Episode Discussions > 1.1 The Rising


Posted by: Drawz 23 September 2016 - 05:21 PM
So far... not a fan. Don't like the backup team, don't like the SAK he carries.

There, my angsty commentary is over.

Posted by: Drawz 23 September 2016 - 05:21 PM
Bullet proof serving trays. What? Everyone doesn't have them?

Posted by: MacGyverOnline 23 September 2016 - 04:55 PM
user posted image

1-1 The Rising

Airdate: 23 September 2016
Writer: Peter M. Lenkov
Director: James Wan
Guest Cast: Vinnie Jones (John Kendrick), Cory Scott Allen (Vincent the Director), India Batson (Tiffany),
Alessandro Folchitto (Doorman), Elizabeth Tavares (Lead Tech/Dying), Kenneth Israel (Pilot),
Michael E. Sanders (Co-Pilot), Craig Newman (Lead Tech DXS), Don Dipetta (Armed Guard).

MacGyver must recover a bioweapon that has the ability to destroy hundreds of thousands of people with a single drop.



Posted by: MacGyverOnline 23 September 2016 - 05:04 PM
What did everyone think?

Posted by: Dennman 23 September 2016 - 05:11 PM
I got thru about half of it and turned it off. It actually could have just been called Mission Impossible. There wasn't anything that remotely felt like MacGyver there. I think that character should have just been given a different name.

Posted by: Joe SAKic 23 September 2016 - 05:19 PM
Watched it, really liked it, would watch it again! Really upset that they broke code and are seen having a cold beer together at the end of a very emotional & dangerous assignment. sad.gif Just kidding biggrin.gif Did anybody catch the name of that brew? .... River!?, I think. And Nikki's a ratfink .... or so it appears ... still a bit of wiggle room there, methinks! And Jack is not an ass this time .... thankgawd!!!!!! And Billy Colton is back as 'Wilt', Mac's roomie, or so it appears to these eyes ... I strained my eyes and could not see a strand of hockey equipment within Mac's closet(s). sad.gif blasphemy!! biggrin.gif The episode was well written, the score/soundtrack complimentary & solid. I'd give it an 8/10 or 4 stars. My worst fears came true though, the computer graphics made some of the effects look amateurish ... especially noticeable in the truck explosion/shrapnel near the end.

Posted by: Widowmaker 23 September 2016 - 05:21 PM
QUOTE (Dennman @ 23 September 2016 - 05:11 PM)
I got thru about half of it and turned it off. It actually could have just been called Mission Impossible. There wasn't anything that remotely felt like MacGyver there. I think that character should have just been given a different name.

MacGyver is a secret agent who is afraid of heights, refuses to fire a gun, and prefers to improvise with whatever is around him to solve problems. I think the show got it spot on. I only would have preferred more faithfulness to the supporting and recurring characters they brought back.

I'd say it's a good start, not perfect but there's always time to improve as the season goes on. I'll give it a 7/10. I can't wait to see how they handle Murdoc.

Posted by: Drawz 23 September 2016 - 05:23 PM
Ok, not too bad. But I've got issues. smile.gif

Posted by: Miasma 23 September 2016 - 06:16 PM
I thought it was quite good. Better than I expected after reading all the negative reviews.

Some pros and cons:

PROS:

1. I accepted Lucas Till as MacGyver much more quickly than I thought I would. And he's not the annoyingly smug guy we saw in the trailers, thankfully!

2. Some genuinely fun action scenes.

3. Plenty of MacGyverisms.

4. I'm intrigued to see where the Nikki plot goes. I like the fact that there's a bigger story here, not just the case-of-the-week stories.

5. It wasn't preachy! This felt more like the fun version of MacGyver, not the PSA MacGyver.


CONS:

1. I could really do without the gimmicky visuals when he's doing MacGyverisms. We don't need "PAPERCLIP" written on the screen, for example.

2. I don't hate Jack Dalton, but he is very one-dimensional at the moment. Maybe he'll develop as the show goes on... I hope.

3. Opening credits are a bit weak (nitpicking, I know.)

That's about it really. Overall, I'm pleasantly surprised. This is off to a good start, for sure. Is it brilliant television? No, of course not. Neither was the original. But it's an entertaining way to pass an hour. I'm looking forward to next week, since we already saw quite a bit of this week's episode in the preview clips. Next week will really be a new episode.

Posted by: InVader 23 September 2016 - 06:37 PM
For the most part I enjoyed it. My top 5 Pros and Cons list. (In no particular order.)
Pros:
1. It felt like a MacGyver story.
2. George Eads didn't annoy me like I thought he would.
3. They fixed the first part of the intro music.
4. I can see Lucas playing a good Mac in time.
5. The MacGyverisms were pretty good.

Cons:
1. Shaky cam, It really wasn't necessary and it was still shaky after the action.
2. I felt that the music was kind of out of place. Music sets the tone and it was just too much like Mission Impossible.
3. The written layovers. They don't really need to spell every item out for us.
4. Not enough time making the MacGyverisms.
5. Straying from some of the mannerisms that I always associated with Mac. Language, the beer celebration at the end.

As for 3 and 4, I felt as if the MacGyverisms were glossed over so quickly that it doesn't give an opportunity for us to enjoy the ingenuity. Instead of spelling out what he has to work with, I would much rather prefer having Mac explain what he is doing and show us taking 20-30 seconds. I think it dampens the affect if you just show a paperclip that has already been bent and is ready to go. Let me see him actually bending it to shape. The final MacGyverism was great and it told us what he was doing, but I wanted to see more of him actually making it.

I know the more adult stuff has been discussed in other threads, but some of the language and him having a beer party at the end just didn't feel like Mac to me.

I think the thing that irritated me the most was the background music. It's so essential for putting you in story and I felt that they really missed the mark on it. I would much rather have silence for part of the show than have constant mission impossible music.

oh, one last thing. I hope that Mac does not continue to be so serious all of the time. Levity should also come from him and not just from Jack Dalton.

Posted by: DXS 23 September 2016 - 06:40 PM
I'm trying to like it...... was disappointed at the "beer" at the end, as the MacGyver we knew didn't drink.

But then again, in the original MacGyver, he shot a gun in the Pilot, then that got blown off, so to speak.

I thought it was cool how they named the ingredients in the MacGyvwerisms, which, to me, weren't that spectacular.

And him starting off with a girlfriend that turns into a ratfink.

And they actually described how they are going to get from DXS to Phenix. Which they didn't really do in the original, it was just switched with no story.

Speaking of Phoenix/Phenix....... I watched an original MacGyver, it was Gold Rush. They were using Snowcats with PHENIX spelled that way.

So, how is Phoenix/Phenix supposed to be spelled?

I'm trying to like it......


Posted by: Widowmaker 23 September 2016 - 06:47 PM
I always thought the proper spelling was "phoenix".

Posted by: Mac2Nite 23 September 2016 - 06:48 PM
Both my husband Mike and I liked it.. will continue to watch the new MacGyver series smile.gif It's modern, but keeps faithful to the original where it counts. sakopen.gif

Good job CBS!! thumbup.gif

Posted by: Miasma 23 September 2016 - 07:01 PM
Am I the only who really didn't care at all that Mac had a drink? It's not as if they portrayed him as alcoholic in this show, he just had a drink. I don't need him to be a perfectly squeaky-clean character.

QUOTE

Speaking of Phoenix/Phenix....... I watched an original MacGyver, it was Gold Rush. They were using Snowcats with PHENIX spelled that way.

It's Phoenix. They may have abbreviated it on the snowcat, but the word is definitely spelled Phoenix.

QUOTE

I thought it was cool how they named the ingredients in the MacGyvwerisms, which, to me, weren't that spectacular.

They weren't spectacular, but at least they were plentiful, so I give them points for that. There were probably more MacGyverisms in this one episode than there were in the entire Season 7 of the original series! (okay, I'm exaggerating, but the number of MacGyverisms did decrease drastically in the show's later years, so it was nice to see them used quite often here.)

Posted by: Agent MacGyver! 23 September 2016 - 07:24 PM
I thought the camera work was fast and jumpy. The scenes moved around a lot. I felt that the characters spoke too quickly and often there was music in the background while they spoke.

I think the Asian villain at the end would have stopped the truck or at least been aware of what was happening.

Finally, I wish that Pat Thornton was a little friendlier and positive like Pete.

2/5

I'll keep watching in hopes that it returns to the MacGyver I know and love.

Posted by: MacGyverOnline 23 September 2016 - 08:05 PM
QUOTE (DXS @ 24 September 2016 - 02:40 PM)
Speaking of Phoenix/Phenix....... I watched an original MacGyver, it was Gold Rush.  They were using Snowcats with PHENIX spelled that way. 

So, how is Phoenix/Phenix supposed to be spelled?

Other signage in the show has it spelt as "Phoenix" So that must have been a typo on the snow cat.

user posted image


Posted by: themacgyverproject 23 September 2016 - 08:18 PM
I went into more detail on http://themacgyverproject.blogspot.com/2016/09/macgyver-reboot-episode-1-rising.html, but in short I thought it was a decent first effort. I thought Lucas was great and better than I was expecting. I liked all the characters except wasn't that big on Patricia (didn't add much to the story). Some other things I wasn't crazy about (the music, the joking references to tin foil/gum/paper clips), but I'll continue to watch.

Posted by: MacGyverOnline 23 September 2016 - 08:24 PM
Getting a lot of hate coming in through our facebook feedback.


Posted by: Guest 23 September 2016 - 09:45 PM
Gonna take some time to process and adjust to this new version. hmm.bmp


Posted by: Guest 23 September 2016 - 11:18 PM
QUOTE
I always thought the proper spelling was "phoenix".


That is the correct spelling if you are referring to the bird..... but I "SWARE" in the episode "Gold Rush" it was spelled PHENIX on the Snowcats.

Posted by: MacGyverGod 24 September 2016 - 01:06 AM
Let the haters hate. I read another one of RDoyle on one of the pages the other day. His disrespect towards RDA is outrageous.

Now I'm curious who this guest was?

Other than that, I think I'm going to stay away for a while until I've seen the new episodes. To avoid too many spoilers.

Posted by: DXS 24 September 2016 - 02:36 AM
QUOTE
Now I'm curious who this guest was?


IT WAS I! (ok, that is correct grammar but it sounds weird...) Ok, I only posted as "guest" on the PHEONIX one. The other one who said something about "having to get used to this version" was NOT I!

I SWEAR I was logged in, and I posted and found out I wasn't....... SORRY! No way to edit a "guest" post to own up to it.

Posted by: DashboardOnFire 24 September 2016 - 03:48 AM
QUOTE (DXS @ 24 September 2016 - 12:36 PM)
IT WAS I! (ok, that is correct grammar but it sounds weird...)

Oooooh, you have a secret identity! Are you an agent of Phoenix or what? laugh.gif

Posted by: DXS 24 September 2016 - 04:28 AM
QUOTE
Oooooh, you have a secret identity! Are you an agent of Phoenix or what?  laugh.gif


Yeppers! That's why I'm DXS!

Posted by: DashboardOnFire 24 September 2016 - 05:15 AM
Gah! The pilot has my feelings all over the place! I think I need to ponder over it for a while before writing some more and discussing it... there is stuff I didn't like at all, but overall I liked the episode.

It's not perfect, but it's MacGyver! And it got people talking about it! When was the last time MacGyver trended on Twitter? Probably... never, I guess. But it trended last night and that's amazing!

Posted by: Miasma 24 September 2016 - 05:29 AM
QUOTE (InVader @ 24 September 2016 - 02:37 PM)
4. Not enough time making the MacGyverisms.

...

As for 3 and 4, I felt as if the MacGyverisms were glossed over so quickly that it doesn't give an opportunity for us to enjoy the ingenuity. Instead of spelling out what he has to work with, I would much rather prefer having Mac explain what he is doing and show us taking 20-30 seconds. I think it dampens the affect if you just show a paperclip that has already been bent and is ready to go. Let me see him actually bending it to shape. The final MacGyverism was great and it told us what he was doing, but I wanted to see more of him actually making it.

That's actually a really valid point. While I appreciate that they're doing more MacGyverisms than the original series did in its later years, this show races through them too quickly, and doesn't allow any tension to build. In the original, there was always that bit of tension as he looked around trying to see what he could use to get out of a jam, and you could almost hear the gears in his brain turning as he tried to piece it together. And then when he did come up with a solution, it was fun for the audience to see his plan gradually come together. In this version, he knows immediately what to do, and then cobbles it together so quickly, we don't have time to appreciate it (and, to be honest, sometimes it went so quickly, I didn't even quite catch WHAT he was doing.)

I think there's a feeling among modern tv writers that everything needs to be fast paced, especially with audiences being used to watching super short videos on YouTube, etc. But the better shows know that it's fine to let a show breathe a bit, and give the audience time to absorb the moments, without constantly needing to zip along to next exciting thing.

Posted by: Joe SAKic 24 September 2016 - 05:37 AM
QUOTE (Miasma @ 23 September 2016 - 11:01 PM)
Am I the only who really didn't care at all that Mac had a drink?

A 6-pack between 3 people? unsure.gif It was a joke, I think, implemented to weed out all the ultra purists. Busted! tongue.gif Besides, my grandpa always told me to never trust a man who doesn't take a social drink. thumbup.gif In this case and after going through the snakes and ladders that Mac did with Nikki and with the time-ticking bomb thing .... a sip of self medication can't be a bad thing, can it? hmm.bmp

Posted by: Widowmaker 24 September 2016 - 05:39 AM
Yeah, I really appreciated the number of MacGyverisms although the parachute one was a bit much(but maybe possible, I don't know the exact physics). It all felt like a season 1 plot, and I liked that MacGyver pistol whipped that one henchman instead of shooting him and Jack's "that's not what I had in mind when I tossed you the gun" to paraphrase.

Still, I was hoping he'd take the gun apart and use it to diffuse the bomb somehow. Or that he'd somehow use the bomb to destroy the virus rather than disperse it.

Posted by: Miasma 24 September 2016 - 05:46 AM
QUOTE (Widowmaker @ 25 September 2016 - 01:39 AM)
Yeah, I really appreciated the number of MacGyverisms although the parachute one was a bit much

Yeah, I agree, but it didn't bother me because it fit right in with the ultralight (Holy Rose), the hose jetpack (The Stringer), the helicopter backpack thingie (from The Wasteland.) Actually, the parachute was probably slightly less silly than any of those.


Posted by: DashboardOnFire 24 September 2016 - 06:32 AM
SpoilerTV just posted the first early ratings: http://www.spoilertv.com/2016/09/ratings-news-24th-september-2016.html

I don't know ANYTHING about ratings, but MacGyver has the highest number... that's good, right?


Posted by: Macgyver12186 24 September 2016 - 06:35 AM
I loved it. as did my parents my wife who hated the original doesnt like this one but knows she married me and has no choice ( hey i suffer through teen Mom teen Mom OG and my big fat faboulous life she can sit through Macgyver)

I felt like something was off with the first episode but I can't put my finger on it


anyways

Lets get the negatives out of the way

1. Wiltz Bowzer: why is he there and why is he in the show. He felt like a studio note tacked on character and just felt well weak.

2. I didn't mind the team element but why was Riley even there 95% of the mission was Mac and Jack anyways

3. Eads is a good Dalton and does have a lot of the playfullnes of the original but I miss the trademark Exactly and I hope on 1 mission Eads' Dalton drags mac on a wild goose chase to find treasure is that too much to ask.

4. Minor thing I don't like the fact we got the first name right off the bat of Macgyver we know his name is angus can we move on.

5. I was kind of hoping the transition from DXS to Phoenx Foundation would be a full season or 2 not just 1 episode..

On the postives

1. Lucas Till is Macgyver Everything I wanted from him I got the humanity the ingenuity the fact that he would love to live a normal life but he knows only he can do what he can do.

2. Nikki Carpenter: ok this is controversial but I buy her as the bad guy sure they used the Ra'z Al ghul mentality which Mac sees through but in the original show Nikki and Mac had very different viewpoints she was miss buracracy and Mac well hated Buracracy so the idea that an orgnizqation can convince (and bribe) Nikki to betraying Mac for the "greater good' I buy and actually kind of like. I am curious to see who she is really working for (my guess is Hit) and how her role will impact Mac throughout the season

3. the music: after the trailers kept using garbage music the fact that Dalton listens to classic rock while flying similar to his older counter part and for the most part we got good orchestral music made me happy and I love the new theme so sue me

4. Patricia Thorton: I like her she does embody element of Pete and there is an underlying aspect of respect and knowing to trust Mac even though she doesn't full understand what he will do

5. the voiceovers: good god I love the voice overs so much i felt like a 7 year old kid again.

6. the Macgyverisms: Loved every single one of them

overall I loved the show but realize it's a pilot as long as Bowzer is shown less and less and jack gets a few more of the original characters trademarks I may like this season more then some seasons of the orginal series (yeah finding a great episode from season 6 is tough man they zapped the espionage out of the show and replaced it with PSA even the Wall feels more PSA mac then Espionage Mac)

Posted by: Macgyver12186 24 September 2016 - 06:36 AM
QUOTE (DashboardOnFire @ 24 September 2016 - 10:32 AM)
SpoilerTV just posted the first early ratings: http://www.spoilertv.com/2016/09/ratings-news-24th-september-2016.html

I don't know ANYTHING about ratings, but MacGyver has the highest number... that's good, right?

sorry to double post but that is fantasic hope those numbers remain throughout the season.

Posted by: Jediferret 24 September 2016 - 06:44 AM
QUOTE (DashboardOnFire @ 24 September 2016 - 08:15 AM)
Gah! The pilot has my feelings all over the place! I think I need to ponder over it for a while before writing some more and discussing it... there is stuff I didn't like at all, but overall I liked the episode.

It's not perfect, but it's MacGyver! And it got people talking about it! When was the last time MacGyver trended on Twitter? Probably... never, I guess. But it trended last night and that's amazing!

I with you on that one Dash. I have a lot of mixed feelings, and I'm not really sure how to put it in words.

But, so far, it's only been one episode, and this one seems a bit rushed. Once the cast gets a bit more comfortable, maybe we'll see a bit more "fun" out of it.

I think it would be wise to give it a few more episodes...

It's almost like meeting someone for the first time, and it was kind of uncomfortable, and you're not really sure how to react to that person yet. wink.gif That's the best way I can describe my feelings on it.

Posted by: DashboardOnFire 24 September 2016 - 07:01 AM
QUOTE (Jediferret @ 24 September 2016 - 04:44 PM)
But, so far, it's only been one episode, and this one seems a bit rushed.

I think it would be wise to give it a few more episodes...

Right now, it feels like a love-hate-relationship *lol*. It's so bad and yet so good! Even when I was shouting mentally at that stupid-looking CGI-Explosion, I was grinning like a fool; because it's MacGyver!

The stuff I really didn't like mostly has to do with the fast and shaky camera movements and the fast pacing (but I never like that anyway), the music, some bad CGI and the use of Jack Dalton (I might write some more about that later).

So it definitely isn't perfect, but the pilot of the original show wasn't either. Also, it's really not as bad as I feared after reading so many negative reviews.

I guess the episode WAS rushed - I mean, they realized in April or May that the pilot is being scrapped and that they have to write and film a complete new episode with complete new locations, a new team and hire a new crew...

I think ratings-wise, the second episode will be more important. Many tune in for a pilot, but the ratings of the second episode may decide if a show is cancelled or not. It definitely has potential! So far, it feels a bit more like Bond or Bourne than MacGyver. Sadly, they're already shooting Episode 6, but I guess they still can change some things around. I'd like to see a second season so they can clean it up and make it better.

Posted by: DashboardOnFire 24 September 2016 - 07:08 AM
via https://twitter.com/TVMoJoe/status/779698099509800960


Posted by: DashboardOnFire 24 September 2016 - 07:12 AM
that's pretty cool... here are all the numbers via http://www.spoilertv.com/2016/09/ratings-news-24th-september-2016.html


Posted by: angus20 24 September 2016 - 07:18 AM
now that the first episode has aired I have my own perception: This is not Mac, the show should be called Team Macgyver, I did not see any new macgyverisms and if recall correctly, all of them were already shown in the original series (i might be wrong) My biggest complain is the voice of the new Mac, as he doesn't sound as good as other ppl voices (it may be a Lucas Till thing) not sure if I'm the only one complaining but his voice is terrible. I praised the fact that you could hear him in the background just like the old show, but for me it was not realistic and well not sure a way to improve it- despite all the reviews and comments here and there, I feel that they didn't do such a great job, the special effects aren't good enough.

The ending was just.... can't say much regarding the beer thing but regarding PF, they came up with that name by having a drink- so why the producers don't drink the same beer, they could come up with new ideas. huh.gif

Posted by: Alison 24 September 2016 - 07:44 AM
Saw the double cross coming a mile away. Disappointing plot. Gratuitous and cheaply executed effects. Mac has a horrible over-confident attitude. Jack is the bad ass muscle character?!??! Hoping this season moves in a different direction.

Posted by: MacsJeep 24 September 2016 - 08:13 AM
Soooo, this is weird. Part of me is screaming THIS IS NOT MACGYVER, but the other half didn't think it was so bad. I can't really put my feelings into words yet as my brain is still processing it, but it will never, in my head at least, surpass the original. Here are a few of my thoughts:

Opening title and music - it somehow did the original justice, so I was happy with this. Also liked the incidental music and rock in the helicopter scene rather than the ghastly hip hop used in the promos.

Jack Dalton - I HATED the idea of Eads in this role, and didn't think it would work one bit, but HE IS mischevious, playful and cheeky like the original. He flies and has a good knowledge of aircraft. The only real difference is the moustache and he seems to like guns a whole lot more...all in all, shocked that I like him.

Thornton - Sorry folks, but I HATE this version of the character. Pete was a best friend, a father figure, and a boss to Mac. I can't stand this female version, and no amount of watching the show progress will change that. sad.gif Thumbs down on that one.

Bozer - Sorry again, but all I kept asking myself in his scenes was how quickly he would bugger off! He's pointless, and annoying, and I hope we don't get a lot of him.

Mac - Lucas wasn't a bad MacGyver, and with all the shoutouts to the original it should work, but somehow he just doesn't have the presence of RDA to turn the character into something special - at least, not yet. It's early days for Till, and we do have to give him time to sink into the role and find himself, so the jury is out on that one. Not a bad first effort, not an amazing one.

Voiceovers - really like them, BUT, do we really need to have the onscreen text prompts as well? I found those a bit annoying - they reminded me of the on screen text scenes in "Sherlock" telling us what's in the character's head. They just distract me. Just do the voiceover, and let us see what is happening by not rushing the scene so much that if I sneeze I'll miss it!

Plot - Well, it was a bit daft and a bit thin and the whole Nikki thing was obvious blah blah, but then, the original show was like that. This is MacGyver, and its mostly a fun ride, we're not supposed to be Einstein, after all.

All in all, not amazing, not bad, but hopefully a work in progress that will improve as the writers and crew find their feet and what the viewers want.

I don't think RDA has anything to worry about though, I think the Mac crown is always going to be his (at least in my head)

Will I watch again? Bottom line, yes, if I get the chance!

Posted by: Viriato 24 September 2016 - 12:05 PM
It’s hard not to compare this new MacGyver to the original, I think I would enjoy it more if I never had watched the original one. MacG.gif
I think they are trying to appeal to a new generation of viewers, as for this old fan, I still have a kick out of watching the old guys.
Sorry “new guys”, you have some pretty enormous shoes to fill, good effort though. happy.gif


Posted by: DashboardOnFire 24 September 2016 - 12:50 PM
Hihi, RDA's daughter is retweeting the MacGyver writers... guess she is watching, too? happy.gif

I'm curious what she thinks of this...

Posted by: MacsJeep 24 September 2016 - 01:07 PM
If she is like me, its too early to really tell! I bet its even weirder for her, being brought up with "Mac" and now seeing the new version, because really the new one is more her "era". RDA is still my Mac, though. tongue.gif

Of course, there is no reason why I can't watch the new one as well. smile.gif

Posted by: DashboardOnFire 24 September 2016 - 01:58 PM
QUOTE (MacsJeep @ 24 September 2016 - 11:07 PM)
I bet its even weirder for her, being brought up with "Mac" and now seeing the new version, because really the new one is more her "era".

Also, she's now able to have a crush on MacGyver laugh.gif

Posted by: Mac2Nite 24 September 2016 - 02:01 PM
LOL... and that's really the point isn't it wink.gif

Posted by: Mac2Nite 24 September 2016 - 02:08 PM
QUOTE (MacsJeep @ 25 September 2016 - 09:07 AM)
If she is like me, its too early to really tell! I bet its even weirder for her, being brought up with "Mac" and now seeing the new version, because really the new one is more her "era". RDA is still my Mac, though. tongue.gif

Of course, there is no reason why I can't watch the new one as well. smile.gif

Went over to Twitter... Didn't see anything from Wylie... am I missing something?

Posted by: Mac2Nite 24 September 2016 - 02:41 PM
CBS... Highest rated show in time slot!

MacGyver Debuts To 11-Year Ratings High In Time SlotMacGyver Debuts To 11-Year Ratings High In Time Slot

Matthew Mueller
09/24/2016

It seems CBS has another hit on its hands, courtesy of their anticipated MacGyver reboot starring Lucas Till in the title role.

The premiere episode debuted on Friday and drew 10.9 million total viewers with a 1.7 in the demo (via TV Line). That easily surpasses the previous owner of MacGyver's timeslot, The Amazing Race, which a year ago brought in 5.8 million viewers and held a 1.2 in the demo. In fact, that performance gave CBS an 11 year high for audience turnout in that leadoff spot, which was held previously by The Ghost Whisperer. It also gave the network it's highest demo numbers ever since Undercover Boss took top honors 4 years ago.


That's impressive, but it will be interesting to see how much of the audience stays around for the second and third episodes. MacGyver also beat out Fox's reboot of Lethal Weapon, which still impressed with 7.9 million and a 2.2 in the demo.

A reimagining of the classic series, is an action-adventure drama about 20-something Angus "Mac" MacGyver, who creates the Department of External Services (DXS), a clandestine organization within the U.S. government where he uses his extraordinary talent for unconventional problem-solving and vast scientific knowledge to save lives. Joining his team on high-risk missions around the globe is maverick former CIA agent Jack Dalton; Patricia Thornton, an ex-field agent turned director of operations; and Riley Davis, an unpredictable computer hacker with a chip on her shoulder. At home, MacGyver is entertained by his ambitious roommate, Wilt Bozer. Under the aegis of the Department of External Services, MacGyver takes on the responsibility of saving the world, armed to the teeth with resourcefulness and little more than bubble gum and a paper clip.

MacGyver airs on Fridays on CBS.



thumbsup.gif

Posted by: DashboardOnFire 24 September 2016 - 02:41 PM
QUOTE (Mac2Nite @ 25 September 2016 - 12:08 AM)
Went over to Twitter... Didn't see anything from Wylie... am I missing something?

She didn't tweet anything herself, but she retweeted about 12 tweets about the reboot; 2 of them from Lucas Till and several from the Script Writers... thought that was interesting.

Posted by: Mac2Nite 24 September 2016 - 02:47 PM
Hope Daddy approves wink.gif

Posted by: Walter 24 September 2016 - 03:30 PM
QUOTE (Mac2Nite @ 24 September 2016 - 06:41 PM)
CBS... Highest rated show in time slot!

MacGyver Debuts To 11-Year Ratings High In Time SlotMacGyver Debuts To 11-Year Ratings High In Time Slot

Matthew Mueller
09/24/2016

It seems CBS has another hit on its hands, courtesy of their anticipated MacGyver reboot starring Lucas Till in the title role.

The premiere episode debuted on Friday and drew 10.9 million total viewers with a 1.7 in the demo (via TV Line). That easily surpasses the previous owner of MacGyver's timeslot, The Amazing Race, which a year ago brought in 5.8 million viewers and held a 1.2 in the demo. In fact, that performance gave CBS an 11 year high for audience turnout in that leadoff spot, which was held previously by The Ghost Whisperer. It also gave the network it's highest demo numbers ever since Undercover Boss took top honors 4 years ago.


That's impressive, but it will be interesting to see how much of the audience stays around for the second and third episodes. MacGyver also beat out Fox's reboot of Lethal Weapon, which still impressed with 7.9 million and a 2.2 in the demo.

A reimagining of the classic series, is an action-adventure drama about 20-something Angus "Mac" MacGyver, who creates the Department of External Services (DXS), a clandestine organization within the U.S. government where he uses his extraordinary talent for unconventional problem-solving and vast scientific knowledge to save lives. Joining his team on high-risk missions around the globe is maverick former CIA agent Jack Dalton; Patricia Thornton, an ex-field agent turned director of operations; and Riley Davis, an unpredictable computer hacker with a chip on her shoulder. At home, MacGyver is entertained by his ambitious roommate, Wilt Bozer. Under the aegis of the Department of External Services, MacGyver takes on the responsibility of saving the world, armed to the teeth with resourcefulness and little more than bubble gum and a paper clip.

MacGyver airs on Fridays on CBS.



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It's a bit premature to be calling MacGyver a hit based on the ratings of a very highly publicized and controversial pilot episode.

It was always going to be a highly watched premiere just because of all that controversy. They wont know true ratings until after the first few episodes have played and the regular audience has established itself.
The reports so far seem to have a fairly even split of likes and haters so you would think that the ratings will drop by around half once all those haters move on, although I suppose some will stay just so they can continue to complain about it each week hmm.bmp


Posted by: Frog 24 September 2016 - 03:36 PM
I found it highly entertaining. Will keep watching

Posted by: DashboardOnFire 24 September 2016 - 03:47 PM
QUOTE (Mac2Nite @ 25 September 2016 - 12:47 AM)
Hope Daddy approves wink.gif

Plot Twist: They're dating and Daddy can't say much about it roller.gif

I'm still hoping for RDA to play Murdoc *lol*; Peter Lenkov but that idea into my mind since he said he has a specific role for RDA...

Posted by: DashboardOnFire 24 September 2016 - 03:52 PM
I love all the headlines in my Twitter Timeline like "MacGyver beats The Exorcist"... haven't seen THAT episode yet laugh.gif

Posted by: Walter 24 September 2016 - 04:27 PM
QUOTE (MacsJeep @ 24 September 2016 - 05:07 PM)
If she is like me, its too early to really tell! I bet its even weirder for her, being brought up with "Mac" and now seeing the new version

She wasn't brought up on Mac. She was born during the StarGate era. wink.gif




Posted by: DashboardOnFire 24 September 2016 - 04:28 PM
So, they cut the complete story about the Bikini Babes shooting Ninjas off the Tank? That must have been one expensive deleted scene...

Posted by: Walter 24 September 2016 - 04:32 PM
QUOTE (DashboardOnFire @ 24 September 2016 - 07:47 PM)
QUOTE (Mac2Nite @ 25 September 2016 - 12:47 AM)
Hope Daddy approves wink.gif

Plot Twist: They're dating and Daddy can't say much about it roller.gif

I'm still hoping for RDA to play Murdoc *lol*; Peter Lenkov but that idea into my mind since he said he has a specific role for RDA...

OMG!! Imagine Willie bringing Lucas home as he boyfriend! roller.gif

I'd love to be a fly on the wall for that! laugh.gif



Posted by: Jediferret 24 September 2016 - 05:43 PM
QUOTE (Walter @ 24 September 2016 - 07:27 PM)
QUOTE (MacsJeep @ 24 September 2016 - 05:07 PM)
If she is like me, its too early to really tell! I bet its even weirder for her, being brought up with "Mac" and now seeing the new version

She wasn't brought up on Mac. She was born during the StarGate era. wink.gif

Actually, RDA himself mentioned in an interview that Wylie enjoyed watching MacGyver when she was little. wink.gif

Posted by: Walter 24 September 2016 - 06:15 PM
QUOTE (Jediferret @ 24 September 2016 - 09:43 PM)
QUOTE (Walter @ 24 September 2016 - 07:27 PM)
QUOTE (MacsJeep @ 24 September 2016 - 05:07 PM)
If she is like me, its too early to really tell! I bet its even weirder for her, being brought up with "Mac" and now seeing the new version

She wasn't brought up on Mac. She was born during the StarGate era. wink.gif

Actually, RDA himself mentioned in an interview that Wylie enjoyed watching MacGyver when she was little. wink.gif

Yeah wasn't there a story about how she first found MacGyver while RDA and her were channel surfing one night/day and there was an episode playing on won of the channels?

I wonder if she recognized him and wanted to see what it was or if he stopped to watch it for a bit of nostalgia - maybe just trying to place the episode and a "Oh I remember filming that scene" type thing.





Posted by: MacsJeep 25 September 2016 - 12:49 AM
QUOTE (Walter @ 25 September 2016 - 12:27 PM)
QUOTE (MacsJeep @ 24 September 2016 - 05:07 PM)
If she is like me, its too early to really tell! I bet its even weirder for her, being brought up with "Mac" and now seeing the new version

She wasn't brought up on Mac. She was born during the StarGate era. wink.gif

I meant as in having RDA as a father, that's why I put Mac like so "Mac". wink.gif

Still not sure how I felt about it after sleeping on it. The whole team thing is going to get on my nerves after awhile, I think. I hope they do some lone wolf episodes, or I may get bored of George trying to steal the show.

I hope we get some "none espionage" plots too. While I liked the early seasons of the original, I also liked the unpredictability of it. You never were sure what he was going to be up to - as long as its not preachy!

I still can't think of this as MacGyver yet, maybe I never will. My mother, a staunch fan of the original hates it lol!

Posted by: DashboardOnFire 25 September 2016 - 01:23 AM
QUOTE (MacsJeep @ 25 September 2016 - 10:49 AM)
I hope they do some lone wolf episodes, or I may get bored of George trying to steal the show.

I guess showing a kid some MacGyver episodes was easier (and probably happened earlier) then Stargate episodes - just because of the gun and violence aspect?

The use of Jack Dalton is one problem I have. From a production stand point, bringin in Jack as the character he is is kinda brilliant. It means more action. And George is a delight to watch; I think he's doing a brilliant job portraying a guy that's kind of smarmy and difficult to handle yet so likeable. But it's also an easy and lazy way what they're using him for.

Because bringing Jack in as a gun-wielding CIA- and military guy makes MacGyvers unique way of problem solving void. If Mac can't do it, there's always Jack who can get him out while using a gun. So in the end, Mac doesn't really manage to solve the problem without guns (and unnecessary violence).

Remember "Halloween Knights" - it would have been an easy and lazy way for the writers to let Murdoc bring out the knife, the gun or a mine right at the beginning. But MacGyver made it a deal - no guns or I don't help you. It was the core of the show to catch the bad guys without the help of guns and bombs (or only for using it as distractions).

That's exactly what the writers have to be careful about - they're erasing the core point of the no-guns-policy by MacGyver traipsing around without a gun, yet there is Jack 2 metres behind him wielding one; having to save Mac more than once by shooting bad guys. In that aspect, MacGyver could just let Jack enter first while hiding behind him...

Posted by: KiwiTek 25 September 2016 - 02:15 AM
The show has potential, but there's a number of targets which have been well and truly missed by the producers. Having said that Most of the things I don't like about this show are more production related rather than MacGyver related (at the moment), which is actually a better result than I was expecting.

My biggest issue is with how everything was so rushed. The MacGyverisms were over and done with before you had time to even read the on-screen descriptions explaining what he was doing - which I thought were unnecessary - they may have seemed like a good idea on paper, but in execution they're just distracting and a little bit silly. The story felt shallow much of the time, like things needed more in depth explanation but was just rushed through instead and we're left with situations we don't really understand or don't have enough relevance for us to care about.

The shaky camera certainly doesn't add anything either and made some scenes practically unwatchable at times. I actually found myself looking away in one scene because of it.

I was surprised at how well the team approach worked, although thinking back on the original MacGyver many of the best episodes were team efforts with Pete, Jack, Nikki, Penny, etc so it probably shouldn't' be that surprising, unlike Jack Dalton, which I have had reservations about from the get-go, but surprisingly found entertaining and a lot more similar to the original Jack than I expected although it doesn't fit that MacGyver would allow Jack to use a gun. MacGyver hates violence and always went out of his way to show those who would us it that there's "always another option" so having armed backup just isn't MacGyver in any way shape or form.

MacGyver himself (Lucas) was OK and I think after some adjustment time we'll be able to see him as MacGyver just fine. However MacGyver cussing and being sexed up is not what I personally want to see and I think the producers may have missed a mark with that although there is an even bigger mark missed with the MacGyverisms...

This MacGyver goes into a situation already with an idea of what he's going to do and proceeds to look for the tools/resources he needs to do THAT idea. The original MacGyver went into a situation looked at what was available and THEN came up with a plan on how to use those items.
In fact that's why the finger print didn't work in this episode. MacGyver 2.0 went in with a plan already in his head and then found the situation was different. If he had just gone in and seen what the situation was and THEN made his plan on what to do he would have immediately gone for the wall plaster. This REALLY needs to change, otherwise it's just Mission Impossible.


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Posted by: KiwiTek 25 September 2016 - 04:25 AM
Did anyone else catch that the DXS used a cover of being a Think Tank? I thought that was a cool idea. I'm guessing the Phoenix Foundation will also use that cover. Great way to cover both bases.

Posted by: Kyleyadon 25 September 2016 - 04:26 AM
I miss the intro to the original already. Honestly it felt more like a cheap knock off of "Burn Notice" than a proper "MacGyver". I know some people thought the original "Jack Dalton" was an ass, but he was a lovable ass that helped add some comedy to the stressful situations he usually got Mac into. I was really hoping that this was going to be set up as a sort of sequel/continuation of the original with this "Mac" being the original character's son, that would have made the differences between the original series and this version work much better, in my opinion. I am glad that Mac's little science lessons seem to have been kept, I always loved hearing the explanation for why what he was doing does what it does. It doesn't seem like it's going to be as good as the original, but so far it's good enough that I'll keep watching and give it a proper chance.

Posted by: Miasma 25 September 2016 - 05:25 AM
QUOTE (KiwiTek @ 25 September 2016 - 10:15 PM)
thinking back on the original MacGyver many of the best episodes were team efforts with Pete, Jack, Nikki, Penny, etc so it probably shouldn't' be that surprising,

Exactly. That's why I wasn't too worried about the team approach, even when it was first mentioned. Season 3 of the original series is among the strongest seasons, and part of that is because it's the season when Mac worked regularly with "teammates", whether it was Jack, Nikki, Pete, Penny, or some combination of all three. In other seasons, he either worked alone, or the show created some random "best friend we never heard of," just to give Mac somebody to work with.

QUOTE

However MacGyver cussing and being sexed up is not what I personally want to see and I think the producers may have missed a mark with that


It's different from the original, but it doesn't bother me. The language is still VERY mild by today's standards, and I think makes him a bit more believable (I mean, if you thought you saw somebody shoot and kill your girlfriend, would you really just say, "Gosh darn it!"? Probably not.) As for him being sexed up, the show left it largely to the imagination. I was afraid they'd be more in your face about it, especially after seeing the bikini babes on the tank, but what we got were just a few hints, and nothing at all explicit. (Also, even in the original show, he didn't become the ultra-pure monk until the later seasons. I still remember him happily skipping along after his conjugal visit in "The Escape," clearly letting the audience know that he had some fun the night before.)

QUOTE

This MacGyver goes into a situation already with an idea of what he's going to do and proceeds to look for the tools/resources he needs to do THAT idea. The original MacGyver went into a situation looked at what was available and THEN came up with a plan on how to use those items.
In fact that's why the finger print didn't work in this episode. MacGyver 2.0 went in with a plan already in his head and then found the situation was different. If he had just gone in and seen what the situation was and THEN made his plan on what to do he would have immediately gone for the wall plaster. This REALLY needs to change, otherwise it's just Mission Impossible.

Yeah, but to be fair, that was because he knew ahead of time what his goal was, and so it would make sense from him to have worked out a plan. The later MacGyverisms in the episode, such as using his bowtie to steer the speed boat, making a parachute out of the truck's roof, etc, were the traditional "making it up along the way" style that we all know and love from the original series.

Posted by: MacsJeep 25 September 2016 - 07:46 AM
That's exactly what I meant Dash!! In a way, its the Jack Dalton show now, with Mac as a second character. I want Mac on his own, doing it HIS way. I don't think I am going to get that, though.


Posted by: Guest 25 September 2016 - 08:59 AM
This is what we call a reshuffle,isn't it ? Jack is the main character , Nikki a traitoress ...I'm appalled.

Posted by: tvero 25 September 2016 - 09:08 AM
=Tvero I don't know why I appeared as a guest but it was me who sent the previous post .There's something wrong in the kingdom of MacGyver Online...

Posted by: DashboardOnFire 25 September 2016 - 09:30 AM
ooooooh, a conspiracy! or CBS is trying to hack into the forums to change our comments into something more positive roller.gif

Posted by: Miasma 25 September 2016 - 10:39 AM
QUOTE (Guest @ 26 September 2016 - 04:59 AM)
Jack is the main character ...I'm appalled.


QUOTE (MacsJeep)

That's exactly what I meant Dash!! In a way, its the Jack Dalton show now


Um, what? Did I watch a different show from everyone else? blink.gif

- Jack stayed outside the mansion doing nothing while Mac dealt with stealing the bioweapon.
- Jack stood around just making occasional wise-cracks while Mac interviewed Riley.
- Jack sat in the truck doing nothing while Mac was hanging under the plane and figuring out how to take it down.
- Jack stayed in the helicopter while Mac worked on disarming the bomb and got into a fight with the bad guy.

Jack was definitely not the main character. He's a sidekick. Mac had more screen time, and Mac was the guy doing the majority of the heroics. Jack wasn't given any character depth at all. At least Mac went through the trauma of losing his girlfriend.

Posted by: Jediferret 25 September 2016 - 10:41 AM
I think what they're doing is merging Elyssa Davalos' two characters from Season 3. Lisa Kolher got romantically close to MacGyver, "died", came back to life and betrayed him... but eventually redeemed herself at the end and stating that her feelings for him were true...

In the pilot, Nikki did all those things, with the exception of redeeming herself... yet. Depending on the turn out, her character may disappear much like the original Nikki Carpenter, or suffer the same fate as Lisa. We'll just have to wait and see.

And to be fair, when Bruce McGill was in an episode, he was kinda stealing the show anyway.

I have no real issues so far... but, as already stated, I think part of my problem is that I'm trying to compare it with the original.

However, RDA will always be the better MacGyver... hands down.

But I honestly believe the reboot has a leg to stand on. It's fun, entertaining and I think as time goes by, we will come to love Lucas Till as MacGyver... just not as much as RDA. wink.gif

That doesn't mean I don't have any gripes, but I'm just gonna look those over for now...

Posted by: MacsJeep 25 September 2016 - 10:46 AM
Okay, I'll explain my thoughts better...

Mac had more screen time and did more heroics, yes! But his character just wasn't there. I felt myself more interested in Jack, it could simply be Eads is older, has more experience and slipped into the part more quickly. Thus came over better onscreen.

Don't worry, I do intend giving Lucas a chance to sink his teeth into the role, but at the moment there is no heart and soul to his performance. Its just my opinion, but I need to believe in his Mac more...

Posted by: Jediferret 25 September 2016 - 11:16 AM
It may have been any number of factors... Lucas was probably under a lot of pressure, and he did get a lot of hate. Because of that alone, I really want to give him a fair chance to grow into the character.

RDA's shoes are big ones to fill and that's not gonna be an easy feet for him (haha, see what I did there?).

Hopefully he won't let any backlash get to him.

Posted by: MacsJeep 25 September 2016 - 11:44 AM
You may be right. It feels like Eads is relaxed with his role, but Lucas seemed the opposite. I think if he can just chill and ignore backlash he'll start to feel it more, and become"Mac".

Posted by: tvero 25 September 2016 - 11:53 AM
QUOTE (DashboardOnFire @ 26 September 2016 - 05:30 AM)
ooooooh, a conspiracy! or CBS is trying to hack into the forums to change our comments into something more positive roller.gif

Who knows ? I may be not only unregistered but unwanted too... wink.gif

What I found appalling was the way they 'treated' Nikki in the pilot because I was very fond of that character. But it was in ANOTHER show.

Posted by: DashboardOnFire 25 September 2016 - 01:37 PM
QUOTE (Miasma @ 25 September 2016 - 03:25 PM)
Exactly. That's why I wasn't too worried about the team approach, even when it was first mentioned. Season 3 of the original series is among the strongest seasons, and part of that is because it's the season when Mac worked regularly with "teammates", whether it was Jack, Nikki, Pete, Penny, or some combination of all three. In other seasons, he either worked alone, or the show created some random "best friend we never heard of," just to give Mac somebody to work with.

I agree, Miasma! Episodes with Jack, Penny or Nikki were always fun and I definitely prefer a team aspect over a new friend of the week (or ex-girlfriend of the week).

But...

I read an interesting sentence in one of the comments (maybe the RDA forums, I don't remember exactly): MacGyver doesn't need a backup team - he IS the backup team.

The show is still called MacGyver and not "Team MacGyver". He's the one that has to do a mission because he's the only one who can do it. And I don't want the team to bail him out all the time (especially with over-the-top technology or guns). I think RDA got that right - MacGyver's talents aren't that unique anymore in a modern world; especially if there's always someone a few feet away with access to technology or a gun. They gave him fighting capabilities and language skills, but that makes him a bit too "perfect" for me (especially since New MacGyver is so young).

Having Riley on standby means MacGyver doesn't have to do much detective work anymore - she can find everything in a few seconds and spy on everyone all the time. That means more action. But MacGyver is no Bond, Bourne or Hunt and I wouldn't mind a few more "quiet" moments of MacGvyer looking for something, traipsing around in mazes and stuff; checking around what he could use as a distraction... I always liked that stuff.

Posted by: Connelly 25 September 2016 - 02:03 PM
QUOTE (DashboardOnFire @ 26 September 2016 - 09:37 AM)
I read an interesting sentence in one of the comments (maybe the RDA forums, I don't remember exactly): MacGyver doesn't need a backup team - he IS the backup team.


It was Kate Ritter on rdanderson.com.

I don't know if the show will ever get shown in the UK so I may not get to see it. I'm curious to see it but not overly fussed at the moment!

Posted by: DashboardOnFire 25 September 2016 - 03:06 PM
QUOTE (Connelly @ 26 September 2016 - 12:03 AM)
It was Kate Ritter on rdanderson.com.

You're right, thanks for reminding me!

I've read so many previews, reviews, recaps and blog-posts that it's all starting to blur together... there is no love or acceptance on the RDA Forums (most didn't watch anyway), but I think Kate had a point in this.

Overall, I think the pilot might have been better if they had been able to make it a two-parter (or like 90 Minutes as a pilot-movie). I think they crammed so much stuff in it that MacGyver kinda disappeared and the MacGyverisms didn't stand out, either because everything was so quick-quick-hush-hush.

Posted by: Joe SAKic 25 September 2016 - 03:23 PM
Just noticed that there's a rebroadcast tonight @ 10:30PM on CBS - just after NCIS:LA - for those that (somehow) missed it on Friday.

Posted by: Jediferret 25 September 2016 - 04:43 PM
Also, it's up on CBS.com to stream... http://www.cbs.com/shows/macgyver/

I have to agree that it's a good point that MacGyver is the back up team, not having one. One of the things I loved about him was that he was very unassuming and easy to underestimate, which he used to his advantage. He was tough without really seeming like he was.

Seriously, these guys need to employ us in character development. Who's with me!?

Posted by: Walter 25 September 2016 - 05:06 PM
MacGyver has a 3rd nipple?!?! blink.gif

I'm out!!






All joking aside... the more I think about and process this show the more things I'm finding wrong with it.

I'm really hoping that Lenkov is taking on board all the feedback and looking at fixing at least some of the things.



Posted by: Jediferret 25 September 2016 - 05:25 PM
Doubt it...

Since they've seem to have a hit show (so far), they probably won't pay any attention to the fans.

Don't make fun of Mac's third nipple... he's sensitive about it.

Posted by: Joe SAKic 25 September 2016 - 05:32 PM
Totally wrong sex for a '3rd' one gimmick. unsure.gif tongue.gif

Posted by: Walter 25 September 2016 - 05:48 PM
QUOTE (Jediferret @ 25 September 2016 - 09:25 PM)
Since they've seem to have a hit show (so far), they probably won't pay any attention to the fans.

One high rating pilot episode does not a hit make.

It'll be really interesting to see ratings for the next few episodes.

Judging from all the negativity I'd say they're going to see a sharp decline if they don't put some fixes in place smartly.


That's a good point about MacGyver was the backup team. He's suppose to be the guy you go to when there's no-one left to go to. The whole needing a team thing destroys that whole aspect of the character.


Posted by: denizen 25 September 2016 - 08:46 PM
The pilot is always seen by millions.Its how many tune in the following week that counts. biggrin.gif

Sheesh, this thread is treading like a land rover! Or a better suited Jeep! biggrin.gif

Managed to watch the pilot through internet streaming. I just have two things that bother me.

1. In the beginning, Mac steers the boat the other way around and it rams into the bad guys blowing them up? Huh?
2. He sits down to a beer at the end of the episode? Huh?

I personally disliked Eads. He suggestively comes across as an overgrown grunt. biggrin.gif

Till is okay. But he doesn't grab your attention like RDA did in the original. That's what made him interesting. A normal guy in a most unusual place doing the most extraordinary things with literally nothing.

And of course the Nikki character was bland. No spunk like Elyssa. She was a little transparent.

That aside, i knew it was not going to be the original show. But compared to a lot of other shows out there at the moment, it sure beats them! So I give it a humble 3. It passed in my books. Just not with flying colors.

Posted by: DashboardOnFire 25 September 2016 - 09:28 PM
QUOTE (denizen @ 26 September 2016 - 06:46 AM)
And of course the Nikki character was bland. No spunk like Elyssa. She was a little transparent.

I was a bit surprised because Tracy had lots of spunk in "Revolution" (that's the only thing I've seen her in, though).

I didn't see or feel the betrayal; also because we didn't really know her. There's no backstory in the pilot. The first time we see her, it's practically them getting it one while (presumably) at work. All we know about her is she's not bad to look at, has a nice smile, and is good on a keyboard *lol*. I'm not sure that was the right way to introduce her to an audience if they wanted us to care, because...

I didn't care for her at all. Or what happened to her. Or if she's good (doing bad things for a cause) or bad. How long have they been dating? Enough to have some selfies and pictures of them as an item and some memories of being intimate. Could have been a one-time-thing for me; some minor "mishap" between colleagues... I don't believe Mac if he spends the next 12 episodes pining for her; but maybe we get to see some more flashbacks, who knows.

Posted by: MacDawn 26 September 2016 - 02:09 AM
I am disappointed.

I thought the script was way too long-winded, the camera work too choppy and the graphics excessive. It was like Mission Impossible meets Jason Bourne meets Sherlock.

On the characters:

The roommate is probably like the kid in the original MacGyver pilot. Just there for the one episode, never to be seen again? Not really sure how smart he is to be, if he never realised MacGyver is some secret agent, especially if MacGyver got injured in the course of his work.

George Eades is a pretty decent actor, I always liked him. The banter between him and Till, is a work in progress. Not too bad but Eades seemed to do well with men-bonding, his Nick Stokes worked well with Greg Sanders in CSI.

When it comes to Lucas Till, I think it is a more of a show-don't-tell thing, they need to show how intelligent, not him telling how intelligent he is. From the original series, we know of MacGyver's experience in various field over several episodes/series. His work in DXS was obvious, but his bomb defusing experience was told in Countdown, his excellence in school was from Hell Week, and general science knowledge drip fed throughout the entire series.

No point just dive bombing all that information in the first 10 minutes of the episode, then expecting people to accept it as it is. Telling people he's got several degree from MIT isn't that believable as showing his intelligence in solving problems. Doesn't work that way, not in scriptwriting, nor in good shows.

Considering CBS already commissioned the entire series, the writers and producers should have spent a bit more time laying the foundations.

And like some people said, Mac shouldn't have a backup team. He is the backup team. jack Dalton in the old series was probably his backup, but more like the tripping stone, that Mac has to drag his ass out of trouble. The idea that someone was talking and giving info to Mac as he made his way about the house, felt too Mission Impossible to me.

I am fine with the beer though, I am sure Mac drank a few beers in the first few season. Heck, he was shooting people in the pilot, and lived a huge observatory in the pilot.

About the MacGyverisms:
Man, in this CSI, TV science day and age, some of those MacGyverism just seemed *meh*.

If that wall plaster thing could have worked, why did he even start with getting the fingerprint from the glass in the first place? He could have done the same for the finger, and saved all the work. (That also reminds me, taking off your jacket in the middle of the room, then assuming the role of the waiter... no one in the room noticed? How drunk was everyone? LOL!)

And cutting the cable on the landing gear means the plane has to land, that logic seemed a bit weird to me.

Overall, I am pretty upset by what I watched. sad.gif

Posted by: Joe SAKic 26 September 2016 - 05:09 AM
QUOTE (MacDawn @ 26 September 2016 - 06:09 AM)

And cutting the cable on the landing gear means the plane has to land, that logic seemed a bit weird to me.

Nowadays, aircraft are so laden with sensors that that seems well in accordance. Get home before there's still some fluid left ...or things get worse, overheat, cause they sure as heck aren't going to get any better. I liked the whole scene. 10/10 The show did not drag like some of the original episodes did, keep it short and simple ... especially in this day & age where millennials have the attention span of a special ed. gnat. biggrin.gif

Posted by: KiwiTek 26 September 2016 - 06:06 AM
QUOTE (Joe SAKic @ 27 September 2016 - 01:09 AM)
QUOTE (MacDawn @ 26 September 2016 - 06:09 AM)

And cutting the cable on the landing gear means the plane has to land, that logic seemed a bit weird to me.

Nowadays, aircraft are so laden with sensors that that seems well in accordance. Get home before there's still some fluid left ...or things get worse, overheat, cause they sure as heck aren't going to get any better. I liked the whole scene. 10/10 The show did not drag like some of the original episodes did, keep it short and simple ... especially in this day & age where millennials have the attention span of a special ed. gnat. biggrin.gif

I have to wonder who thought having a MacGyver jump out of that van and run after a taxing plane and actually catch it was either a good or realistic idea. I started wondering if he might be Bionic! unsure.gif


Posted by: Miasma 26 September 2016 - 06:58 AM
I agree about Nikki being a bit bland, but at the same time, I think she has the potential to become a more interesting character in this than she was in the original. In the original series, she started out as a tough and interesting character, but then quickly became just another damsel in distress for Mac to rescue, and that always bothered me. She didn't feel like a qualified field agent to me, despite the fact that she was supposed to be one. Without Mac, she wouldn't have lasted a day. I think this new version of Nikki has already shown more resolve, and can't really see the writers turning her into some weak-willed woman. (I'm still not completely convinced that she's bad. I wonder if she might be working as a double-agent, and can't let Mac know... hmmm...)


One interesting thing I noticed about Jack Dalton when I rewatched the episode: Despite the fact that George Eads is nothing like Bruce McGill, I could actually picture Bruce McGill's Jack saying many of George Eads' lines, and doing many of the things that George's Jack did, but with a different "flavor" to it all, if that makes any sense. For example, "You go kaboom, I go kaboom!" is a line I could definitely hear Bruce's Jack saying. I was kind of pleased to notice that with many of Jack's lines throughout the episode.

Posted by: Danjo1 26 September 2016 - 09:19 AM
I thought it wasn't bad.

I wish, however, they had just done it with MacGyver's son (like they tried with his "nephew" a few years ago) rather than just reboot it with the same character. If they had, then it would have been more like Star Trek TNG, i.e., set in the same universe, but not the same guy. It would have also left room for an appearance by RDA at some point as the character he originated.

One thing I thought was hokey was the use of the SAK. When they showed it, it looked something like a Spartan, but I swear he did a one handed opening of it, which you simply can't do. Victorinox DOES make one hand openers, but the Spartan, and it's close relatives aren't among them. I am, nevertheless, glad he's using an SAK rather than some modern tactical knife or Leatherman Wave etc.

I also agree with those who thought the MacGyverisms were rushed. They should take a bit more time, and show a bit more of a struggle with thinking them up (like the original show). I think the new show rips off Sherlock a bit with the labeling everything and the camera work rushing through the making of them.

Posted by: MACGYVERISMYDAD 26 September 2016 - 09:49 AM
I was pleasantly surprised with the episode. I expected it to be an over sexed, over computerized "modern" version. I found it to be not as bad as I expected and actually enjoyed most of it. The wife surprisingly thought it was good as well and found many of the humorous lines to be funny. Lucas Till is doing a pretty good job acting like Mac. The haircut is very similar to Mac's mullet but somewhat more upated. Face it, if Lucas rocked the mullet he would stand out like anyone else who chooses to wear that hair style in the current times. Either way he has a big role to fill and I can understand him being somewhat nervous about it all. I expect him to come into his own as the series goes on much like RDA did.

I did enjoy some of Jacks humor but I think he is a little too military like for the show. The original Jack Dalton had funny one liners but always dragged Mac into trouble. The new Jack seems to have no problem shooting someone and seems to get Mac out of trouble. Like stated several times, he seems to be comfortable with the character and does a good job.

Patricia Thorton kinda even resembles what I think Petes old wife may have looked like in her younger years. I am not a huge fan of her cut and dry by the book approach. Something that made Pete and Mac such good partners was that Pete was willing to bend the rules sometimes to let Mac do things his way. Although it is too early to judge this much, she did bend to allow the hacker women to stay out of prison. Hopefully she becomes more compassionate and liberal.

Things I loved were the original intro showing the up close hands doing things (like the original). The explosion with the macgyver logo made me wet my pants with excitement. I loved the throw back to the original that they did. Mac carrying the missle just like RDA posed within one so many years ago. Love that Mac and Jack have a Cairo story kinda like Mac and Pete did in the original with the camel smuggling bit. I absolutely loved the voice overs.

Some things I didn't care about were that the Macgyverisms seemed rushed. I would like them to take more time to have Mac thinking about what he is going to do. Of course this may change in the following episodes but the pilot made it seem like he already had the Macgyerism figured out before he even knew he would have to do one. I would like more time for him thinking the plan out and more time constructing and building the macgyverism. The special effects where pretty lacking especially with the explosions. They just didn't look real. The first explosion of the truck looked believable but the 2nd explosion (which did scare me) looked fake with the shrapnel flying over his head. I am not really sure about mac's roomate. He seems like he was just thrown in there at the last minute. His character seems like he can be a likeable guy but as of right now, it doesn't seem like he brings much to the table. I am hoping his character is expanded upon in the series. Possibly he takes over the role of getting Mac into trouble?

But I am pretty impressed with the series. It was much better then I could of expected. I found it entertaining, fun to watch, cringy at some times. It was an hour well spent and I will continue to watch. I did try to tell myself not to compare it to the original as much as I could. I think, if you can get over that, it becomes much more enjoyable to watch. I didn't expect it will ever surpass the original series in my mind, but that is basically impossible as the original has a level of nostalgia that nothing new could ever exceed. I would give it a 7 out of 10.


Posted by: MacsJeep 26 September 2016 - 10:13 AM
QUOTE (Miasma @ 27 September 2016 - 02:58 AM)
One interesting thing I noticed about Jack Dalton when I rewatched the episode: Despite the fact that George Eads is nothing like Bruce McGill, I could actually picture Bruce McGill's Jack saying many of George Eads' lines, and doing many of the things that George's Jack did, but with a different "flavor" to it all, if that makes any sense. For example, "You go kaboom, I go kaboom!" is a line I could definitely hear Bruce's Jack saying. I was kind of pleased to notice that with many of Jack's lines throughout the episode.

Yes - this is what I felt too. I think it may even be why I felt he stole the show. When I heard he was going to be Jack I hated the idea, but he made a better Jack than Lucas did MacGyver. I just don't hear the lines Lucas uses coming out of RDA's mouth, but as you say, some of George's lines and delivery were spot on as Jack. He needs to say Kemo sabe now and the transformation is complete hehehehe ohmy.gif roller.gif

Posted by: Danjo1 26 September 2016 - 10:42 AM
I'm hoping that the pilot is like most pilots which suffer from trying to introduce everyone and show a little bit of everything in the first episode. That always makes pilots some of the weakest entries in the series. If so, I would like to see the show go back to the formula that the original series had. The original episodes varied in type. One week it would be some serious spy type stuff, the next Mac would be saving eagles, the next he would be back to a rescue/spy mission, the next he would be working with troubled youth, the next he would be pulling Jack's or Penny's rear end out of a crack. They would range from serious to comical in tone and it kept the character and show fresh and made Mac into a realistic person.

The original show was also aspirational. Mac was not super human. His hand hurt when he punched someone. He wasn't smug about his abilities either. People could want to grow up and be like him. If a character is bigger than life they may be fun to watch, but it's not likely that kids will think they can ever be like that when they grow up.

Anyway, this is a great forum and I'm glad to have found it.

Posted by: Miasma 26 September 2016 - 10:48 AM
QUOTE (MacsJeep @ 27 September 2016 - 06:13 AM)
He needs to say Kemo sabe now and the transformation is complete hehehehe ohmy.gif roller.gif

Haha... yes, "Kemo sabe" and, of course, "Eg-ZACT-ly!"


I had to laugh when he said, "Do I LOOK like I sell bathroom tile?" because, um, yes, George Eads definitely looks like the sort of guy who sells bathroom tile!

Posted by: DashboardOnFire 26 September 2016 - 02:00 PM
Final adjusted daily ratings via http://www.spoilertv.com/2016/09/final-adjusted-tv-ratings-for-friday_26.html


Posted by: Miasma 26 September 2016 - 04:03 PM
I expect the ratings to drop quite a bit next week, considering how much negative reaction the show has gotten. But since Hawaii 5-0 is popular, MacGyver might retain at least a decent number of viewers, as people may decide to turn on early and watch both shows.

Rottentomatoes has MacGyver at only 21% "fresh." Ouch.

Posted by: DXS 27 September 2016 - 01:03 AM
QUOTE (tvero @ 25 September 2016 - 09:08 AM)
=Tvero I don't know why I appeared as a guest but it was me who sent the previous post .There's something wrong in the kingdom of MacGyver Online...

I had the same issue. I swore I was logged in, but came out as "guest" in one post.

Posted by: MacGyverOnline 27 September 2016 - 02:16 AM
QUOTE (DXS @ 27 September 2016 - 09:03 PM)
QUOTE (tvero @ 25 September 2016 - 09:08 AM)
=Tvero I don't know why I appeared as a guest but it was me who sent the previous post .There's something wrong in the kingdom of MacGyver Online...

I had the same issue. I swore I was logged in, but came out as "guest" in one post.

We had this topic "open" to allow guests to come in and discuss after this episode aired. So it was possible for you to post without needing to log in which may have happened if you followed a link or bookmark from outside the site.

In any case the topic has been set back to member's only so there wont be any further issues.


sak.gif


Posted by: tvero 27 September 2016 - 02:53 AM
Thanks .There's still a little problem because even if I log in I'm refused access when I click on episode discussions straight away ...
Anyway, I'm back with my username (I hope ?) . smile.gif

Posted by: tvero 27 September 2016 - 04:29 AM
At that stage , I don't know what to think . I admit I liked the 'new' Hawaii 5-0 probably because many (most, I included ? ) people don't remember what it was like exactly .It's much easier to start from (almost) scratch.
BUT MacGyver is pretty much alive all over the world thanks to reruns.
They should have kept the 'state of mind' as you put it in one of your threads .But they didn't ...Shame.

Posted by: Jediferret 27 September 2016 - 04:48 AM
If nothing else, at least the reboot got MacGyver trending... for once. Whether it's good or bad, it's got people talking about it... and we can clearly see that the original holds a very special place in the hearts of many.

Even if the reboot is a flop (which we'll find out in the next few weeks, I'm sure), maybe CBS will see the potential in giving us an HD remaster of the original... *hint hint*

I know, I know... it's a long shot, but a girl can dream, right?

My feelings remain the same. Not overly impressed, but not super disappointed like I was with the Knight Rider reboot.

I will admit, I've watched like ten episodes of the original in the past three days. lol

Posted by: tvero 27 September 2016 - 04:56 AM
QUOTE (Jediferret @ 28 September 2016 - 12:48 AM)
I will admit, I've watched like ten episodes of the original in the past three days. lol

Same here.

Posted by: DashboardOnFire 27 September 2016 - 09:55 AM
Sunday Ratings by http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2016/09/27/sunday-final-ratings-sept-25-2016/

Not bad, I guess? (As I said before, no clue about ratings.)


Posted by: ladyleia21 27 September 2016 - 11:10 AM
Ha ha ha! I knew it! So far,everybody I talked to about it, hates it so far. Come on, its like watching all the other generic shows put together in one;so unoriginal, and way off from what you expect from our dear humble,down to earth MacGyver to act, which this new hipster boy is not.

Posted by: Jediferret 27 September 2016 - 11:18 AM
Lucas Till isn't to blame... he's just playing a role that he was given. If you're going to blame someone, blame the writers and James Wan.

Also, not everyone disliked it. It wasn't horrible... just not what we were hoping for. We could have gotten a LOT worse.

Posted by: MacDobromir 27 September 2016 - 11:41 AM

Mixed feelings here....although I see some potential in it for sure.


from sort things I don't like in this reboot one bothers me the most: James Wan during Comic-con said something like: "Do You remember RDA, when he was like "ouch" after he has hit someone? Well We stay with that" well...I don't see it at all.
Don't get me wrong it's good that Mac can fight but it would be great if he was a little bit cluncky in it, like in original, don't You think?

Anyway, definitely I'm waiting to find what happened in Cairo! wink.gif

Posted by: MiracleMac 27 September 2016 - 11:49 AM
QUOTE (tvero @ 27 September 2016 - 04:56 AM)
QUOTE (Jediferret @ 28 September 2016 - 12:48 AM)
I will admit, I've watched like ten episodes of the original in the past three days. lol

Same here.

I watched the episode what I first time saw from the whole series, and after that I'm gonna then watch the reboot, if they ever gonna show it in here Finland.

Posted by: Danjo1 27 September 2016 - 12:02 PM
QUOTE (MacDobromir @ 27 September 2016 - 11:41 AM)
Mixed feelings here....although I see some potential in it for sure.


from sort things I don't like in this reboot one bothers me the most: James Wan during Comic-con said something like: "Do You remember RDA, when he was like "ouch" after he has hit someone? Well We stay with that" well...I don't see it at all.
Don't get me wrong it's good that Mac can fight but it would be great if he was a little bit cluncky in it, like in original, don't You think?

Anyway, definitely I'm waiting to find what happened in Cairo! wink.gif

That was the point I was trying to make. RDA portrayed a real guy. He was tough, but hardly a bruiser along the lines of Mike Hammer, or Thomas Magnum. He WOULD fight, but he could be beat and he'd rather use his brains to beat the bad guys.

Posted by: angus20 27 September 2016 - 01:03 PM
after reading more comments seems like ppl watched it just for being a premiere, they have a rate of 4.7 on imdb which seems to be reliable. Anyway I wasn't convinced, just wondering how they will deal with hockey topic, not sure but I saw a surf table that I think I never seen in the original series, just thinking but that sport was big part of Mac's life!

Posted by: Joe SAKic 27 September 2016 - 03:03 PM
The hockey angle was huge (in Canada) ..... and yet mostly pushed/sold by RDA who could talk the talk and skate the skate. I don't expect to see any of it in this series though. If they really wanted it to remain in the backdrop, they would not have hired an actor from Fort Hood, TX .... who almost assuredly cannot ice skate to save his life. doh.gif

Posted by: Miasma 27 September 2016 - 04:02 PM
QUOTE (Joe SAKic @ 28 September 2016 - 11:03 AM)
The hockey angle was huge (in Canada) ..... and yet mostly pushed/sold by RDA who could talk the talk and skate the skate. I don't expect to see any of it in this series though. If they really wanted it to remain in the backdrop, they would not have hired an actor from Fort Hood, TX .... who almost assuredly cannot ice skate to save his life. doh.gif

If it means we won't get another lame episode like "Thin Ice," I have no problem at all with Lucas not being a skater! laugh.gif


Posted by: Joe SAKic 27 September 2016 - 04:37 PM
They did a fantastic screenplay job with the Thin Ice script that they were handed .... the problem was that the ice was not the only thing that was thin, the script was also 'thin' ... paper thin. But the hockey backdrop theme really worked well in the original series and added an extra je ne sais quoi to Mac's rather mercurial character. It was a small but steady aspect, but all these small things that the original producers of the series built in - all added up - and are going to be hard to match in this new version.

Posted by: Miasma 27 September 2016 - 05:32 PM
QUOTE (Joe SAKic @ 28 September 2016 - 12:37 PM)
It was a small but steady aspect, but all these small things that the original producers of the series built in - all added up - and are going to be hard to match in this new version.

I think most modern shows have character details that add up over time and flesh out the characters, so I'd be surprised if the Mac reboot doesn't have it. It might not be ice skating, but there will be other things, assuming the show lasts beyond just a few episodes.

I think one problem I'm seeing with people's reaction to the reboot is that they're comparing one episode of it to seven seasons of the original. I'm not saying YOU'RE doing this, but I've seen it on other sites, where people were saying things like, "Yeah, but what about his environmental causes?" or "Is it all going to be about trying to stop terrorists?? What about episodes like the Human Factor?!", etc, etc. And I'm thinking, "Sheesh... give the writers a chance! They can't cram EVERYTHING into the first episode!" laugh.gif

Posted by: Joe SAKic 27 September 2016 - 06:07 PM
The original MacGyver scripts were all over the map (especially as the seasons went on) and, as a result, we got to see several different sides of his character, hobbies, and interests built into the episodes. I highly doubt whether the new series will have the reins loosened enough to 'tinker' /experiment as much with animals, the environment, street kids etc. But those episodes are really where his character started to develop and endear. This one will probably dwell/major on hardcore villians, sex, relationships, the predictable stuff, at least early on, otherwise it's going to the scrapheap early & in this day and age.

Posted by: MacDawn 27 September 2016 - 06:19 PM
QUOTE (Jediferret @ 27 September 2016 - 04:48 AM)
I will admit, I've watched like ten episodes of the original in the past three days. lol

I haven't actually 'watched' an episode, cos all my DVDs are in storage until I move into a more permanent place next year. But I have talked about a few episodes based on memory on another forum, where the show came up.

I do feel that for some episodes, (especially those tech related), like Ugly Duckling. it is better to watch it with some 'beer glasses', cos those huge floppy discs and the modems that require one to put a phone receive ON TO the device before dialling, those don't age well. biggrin.gif

Posted by: Mr Duct Tape 28 September 2016 - 02:18 AM
First of all, to get it out of the way I'm not a RDA freak or a MacGyver purist in any way, just a big fan of the character because it was a great role model for me growing up in the 90's.

When I was about to watch this new pilot, I was willing to give it a shot, and wasn't expecting the same MacGyver from the 80's for sure.

But after watching this, I'm really disappointed with the finished product, for me it was a big letdown. It doesn't even feel like a 21st century MacGyver, during the entire episode it felt like I was seeing a cross between Mission Impossible and CSI. I'm sorry but Angus MacGyver always was a lone wolf type of character, of course sometimes he had help in may episodes, but in the end Mac works alone.

Jack Dalton working for DXS? wait, what? Eads is likeable, but the age difference shows, and it doesn't work for me. I have nothing against Lucas Till, but he's way to young for the role. MacGyver should be older in the series.

Every scene had music in the background, that was annoying after a while. the dialogue had many cringworthy moments, they should definitely get better script writers.


I don't know if I'm going to follow this series, if they don't change many aspects of it.


1.5/5

Posted by: MacsJeep 28 September 2016 - 10:21 AM
I'm looking forward to this week's more, because we know they kinda had to hurry with the pilot after the original version was scrapped. They've had a bit more time with episode two, so I'm hoping its not feeling quite so rushed and I can take it in more.

Posted by: MacDobromir 28 September 2016 - 10:36 AM
QUOTE (Danjo1 @ 27 September 2016 - 12:02 PM)
QUOTE (MacDobromir @ 27 September 2016 - 11:41 AM)
Mixed feelings here....although I see some potential in it for sure.


from sort things I don't like in this reboot one bothers me the most: James Wan during Comic-con said something like: "Do You remember RDA, when he was like "ouch" after he has hit someone? Well We stay with that" well...I don't see it at all.
Don't get me wrong it's good that Mac can fight but it would be great if he was a little bit cluncky in it, like in original, don't You think?

Anyway, definitely I'm waiting to find what happened in Cairo!    wink.gif

That was the point I was trying to make. RDA portrayed a real guy. He was tough, but hardly a bruiser along the lines of Mike Hammer, or Thomas Magnum. He WOULD fight, but he could be beat and he'd rather use his brains to beat the bad guys.


Yes Danjo1 It is very important to have this part from the original. If they'll put this aside from Mac character then it will be hard to consider this "new" Mac as ANOTHER KIND OF HERO as Peter Lenkov team promoted it in the first place.

Posted by: Walter 28 September 2016 - 08:32 PM
The more I think about this episode the more I don't like it.

There's too many things wrong with it. It reminds me a lot of the Knight Rider reboot a few years back and like that reboot, I hope the team making it are taking notice of the fans comments and working to fix.

One thing I will say about Knight Rider is that the producers really listened to what the fans were saying and by the end of the season I think that had a formula which could have been really good if it was allowed to continue and from that I hope Lenkov and his team are doing the same and hopefully by the end of the first season things will be on track to something which resembles MacGyver instead of whatever the hell this mess is at the moment.


Posted by: denizen 28 September 2016 - 09:47 PM
Unfortunately not all shows are given a second chance. By the time they decide to put things back into perspective, the show is already cancelled.

There are many shows out there and audiences as well as networks are brutal. If they dont like it, it dies.

Posted by: Jediferret 29 September 2016 - 10:17 AM
I kinda went into the pilot with the idea that it wasn't going to be totally the same as the original... and that it was probably gonna be a hard pill to swallow.

It's been one HELL of a pill too... =P

I want to give these folks a chance to understand that the "heart" of MacGyver isn't Mac and Jack's bantering and the occasional, "I thought you were a good person" line.

MacGyver was about doing what was right, seeing the good in others, and bringing out the potential in others.

This show, so far, isn't doing that... and is, so far, just another action show.

But, at least it's amusing. I'll probably give it a few more episodes, and if it doesn't turn around, I'll just tune out.

No sense wasting my energy on something that I don't like, and causing all kinds of negativity in my life... right?

And sure, I get Knight Rider... I didn't care for the reboot either. In fact, I didn't make it through the pilot before tuning out.

Posted by: Mac2Nite 29 September 2016 - 10:25 AM
I said it before and I'll say it again... I liked it! I'm actually looking forward to Friday night for the next episode! biggrin.gif Could do with fewer explosions... but even the ORIGINAL series' logo was MacGyver written in front of an explosion wink.gif

Anyway... Can't wait to see how they develop things going forward. And with all of the social media comments, etc.. I'm sure they're listening to us old farts... but also cognizant of the fact that we aren't the main demographic they're shooting for... just sayin'

Posted by: Jediferret 29 September 2016 - 10:48 AM
True, true... >_<

My opinion and lack of views won't hurt them any, I'm sure. My opinion is kinda torn anyway. One minute I'm happy about the reboot, and another minute I'm hating it.

Dunno why really... it just feels like something is missing, almost like the show has no personality. But maybe that will change in the next episode?

I was never a fan of James Wan... hated the SAW series with a passion, and his horror movies are pretty mediocre. So the fact I was somewhat disappointed with the pilot doesn't surprise me at all.

Posted by: Mac2Nite 29 September 2016 - 10:59 AM
I can appreciate what you are saying... But if you remember the original series' pilot episode... Mac (as played by RDA) was cocky as h*ll... so I think one can't judge a series by its first episode... it takes time to develop... as it did the first time around...

Posted by: Jediferret 29 September 2016 - 12:07 PM
Well, sure!

I wasn't hooked on the original until season 3. I actually skipped most of season 2, went back and watched it later.

I guess what I'm trying to say is part of the reason I didn't care much for the pilot was because James Wan directed it. I'm not a big fan of his stuff, so... that may be why I was a bit disappointed. If the other episodes are directed by someone else, I might like it better. I'm certainly gonna give it several episodes before I decide I like it or not.

I've given the reboot a pretty fair shot... and I'm gonna continue to be as fair as I can with it.

You'll have to forgive me... I'm a very picky person about what I watch. blush.gif

Edit: I was just thinking, I wonder if my Dad will like this reboot... lol I'll have to annoy him with it when I visit him next... heeheehee

Posted by: Walter 29 September 2016 - 05:17 PM
QUOTE (Mac2Nite @ 29 September 2016 - 02:59 PM)
I can appreciate what you are saying... But if you remember the original series' pilot episode... Mac (as played by RDA) was cocky as h*ll... so I think one can't judge a series by its first episode... it takes time to develop... as it did the first time around...

Really? Cocky?

You'll need to explain that to me and remember there's a difference between being confident and being cocky.

"If I want a weapon I'll make one" is definitely cocky to the point of outright arrogance.

"The bag's not for what I take, it's for what I fond along the way" is confidence. But even with the confidence he wasn't overbearing with it and was never 100% it would work. Unlike this new MacGyver.

"I hack everything else.".... Really?? puke.gif

Posted by: denizen 29 September 2016 - 08:42 PM
Look, i can somewhat agree with what you are all saying. But there is truth to the imbalance of the two shows. Clearly this is not a copy of the original. Lenkov has been on H50 for sometime and took some of its formula to try to boost Mac.

"Some" may find the theme to Mac a little dated but the opening part to still carry a bit of validation. They wanted a more dramatic feel to fit with today's rougher audience so they took the one part that "Worked" for them and finished it with something else.

Television today is not campy. It is brutal. So it has to fit with the others. I also agree that there is a lot going on that i am not fond of. Hate the team thing, not liking Eads too much. The relationship with Nikki is 2 dimensional and couldnt care less if she dies or not. Wilt is always going to be there when Mac goes home (I have a feeling). He's going to be like a ghost or a haunting. biggrin.gif

I liked the alone time Mac had. It helped you to connect to the character better.

Posted by: Macgyver1985 3 October 2016 - 01:11 PM
I managed to watch halfway through the pilot, and I really must admit that it was quite entertaining. However, I disliked the whole team involvement.

I will rate the episode 8/10; A person should not continuously examine the contrasts between the original series and the reboot; it is not a sequel, but a complete remake of the series. Not bad at all!

Posted by: denizen 3 October 2016 - 10:14 PM
And you only saw half? biggrin.gif

The pilot was okay. But it did not blow me away. IMO of course.

The second episode was worse for me and i just didnt "get" it.

Posted by: Macgyver1985 4 October 2016 - 12:07 AM
QUOTE (denizen @ 4 October 2016 - 08:14 AM)
And you only saw half? biggrin.gif

It was late so I decided to go to bed... biggrin.gif

Posted by: Miasma 5 October 2016 - 12:10 PM
Forgive me if this has already been asked (I may have overlooked a post or two), but how did Nikki fake her death for several months? Mac and Jack both must have known where her body should have been, so didn't anyone actually look for her body before proclaiming that she was dead? Or did they just say, "Well, huh, I don't see her, but oh well, I guess she must be dead and her body just vanished."

Posted by: Mac2Nite 6 October 2016 - 06:20 AM
Well...IMHO... Mac was shot himself and unable to return to the scene of the shooting... so since he had seen her "get fatally shot" he presumed her dead? As for hiding out for several months, I imagine her "other friends", the ones who faked her death, helped hide her as well wink.gif

Posted by: Miasma 6 October 2016 - 06:49 AM
QUOTE (Mac2Nite @ 7 October 2016 - 02:20 AM)
Well...IMHO... Mac was shot himself and unable to return to the scene of the shooting... so since he had seen her "get fatally shot" he presumed her dead? As for hiding out for several months, I imagine her "other friends", the ones who faked her death, helped hide her as well wink.gif

Possible. It just seems like a very sloppy way of handling it by DXS. They're supposed to be such a high-powered, top-secret organization, yet when one of their own agents disappears, they just assume she's dead and don't look for a body?
Mac saw her get shot, sure, but he got shot, too, and he survived, so why would he (or anyone) assume it wasn't possible for her to have survived, especially when her body was never found? Presumably somebody got Mac out of the water not too long after the shooting (since he didn't drown), so wouldn't they have also tried to get Nikki out? And if Nikki was no longer there, wouldn't that raise some concerns about where she went?

(I'm probably overthinking something that was actually just a case of lazy writing.)


Posted by: Danjo1 6 October 2016 - 07:14 AM
Sloppy writing, more like. Yep, I had the same issue. When you're a person who analyzes things like plots etc, holes like that can get annoying. These days, too many shows jump around so fast that it can throw one off. They cram too much in too quickly and you can get lost pretty rapidly. Correlations between length of time between commercial breaks, and lack of narrative story telling and the development of ADD are pretty well documented. I feel like the writers of this show (and many others) suffer from the same ADD that their shows help to induce. The MacGyverisms in the new show are one such example. They happen so fast that there is no suspense (someone else mentioned this before on here). There is no wondering "What's Mac up to?" it's just BAM done and onto the next thing before one can even appreciate the ingenuity of what we just witnessed.

I know styles change in terms of storytelling formats and fashions, but I don't always think they are improvements merely because they are new. Our brains are wired to think in terms of stories. We process things that way and turn periods of our life into episodes even though it is really an unbroken stream of one thing after another. Stories, to be good, have to be constructed in a particular way for them to be meaningful and stick. I can remember many episodes of the original show. They stuck. I have the distinct feeling that many of the new episodes will be forgettable and all sort of blend together in my mind after the season is over. But, I'm 49 years-old. I was 18 when the original show started and I grew up watching shows that had four acts and an epilogue. Character development was more important, and people would actually watch something from beginning to end to see how it turned out. There didn't have to be a thrill a minute, watching each scene go by in a blur as if riding on a roller coaster.

Here endeth my cranky old man rant.

Posted by: Miasma 6 October 2016 - 08:28 AM
QUOTE

But, I'm 49 years-old. I was 18 when the original show started and I  grew up watching shows that had four acts and an epilogue. Character development was more important, and people would actually watch something from beginning to end to see how it turned out. There didn't have to be a thrill a minute, watching each scene go by in a blur as if riding on a roller coaster.

It's odd, because in some ways, you're right: With shows like this new MacGyver, everything is being done at a breakneck pace in order to keep the audience's attention. And yet, audiences, overall, have very good attention, as evidenced by the fact that we see much larger story arcs in tv shows these days than we did in the 80s. Back in the 80s, shows were done on an episode-by-episode basis. Everything was neatly wrapped up in 45 minutes (not counting commercials.) But these days, many shows give us huge stories and complex characters, spread out over many years. And people stick with those shows, and follow the intricacies of the plots and characters' developments very closely, so I don't really know why a show like this MacGyver reboot feels the need to speed everything up.

Posted by: Jediferret 15 October 2016 - 08:06 AM
My sister watched the pilot last night... her opinion isn't as biased because she's not a big fan of the original. She thinks my fandom of the original is hilarious.

Some of the things she said you guys have mentioned already:

1. It's more Mission Impossible than MacGyver
2. This is the Jack Dalton and Riley show, MacGyver comes in secondary
3. It's too fast paced, and the whole team thing is done too quickly. Because of this, it gives little room for the audience to connect with the characters... especially MacGyver, who should be the first to connect with because he's the title character.
4. The MacGyver/Nikki love scenes are forced and uncomfortable... The whole handcuffs scene was ridiculous
5. Fake explosions are too obvious, and makes a mention that at least it's not a Michael Bay film. I said it was directed by James Wan, and she said: Well, that's obvious.
6. Humor is too forced
7. All in all, she said the show was "okay", but was too predictable.

She did laugh a few times and thought Jack Dalton was amusing. She said she'd be willing to watch a few more episodes though to see if it gets any better. She also said her husband might give it go... but only because Sandrine Holt is in it.

Posted by: cirubit 31 January 2017 - 12:06 PM
Finally I watched this episode.
This Mac is too young, the other cast has the same names of the old tv show but they are totaly wrong.
Also I admit I like the female version of Thornton.
I love her!
Many macgyverism are cool, with "references" to original MacGyver, but others are not much believable
The voice over is too intrusive and too boaster.
But I'll give it a chance, after all.

Posted by: DashboardOnFire 18 October 2017 - 12:57 PM
I've started my next little "side-project" on my blog by writing about the Pilot Script by Peter Lenkov - well, basically looking at "deleted scenes" that didn't make it into the episode that aired: https://dashboardonfire.wordpress.com/2017/10/18/looking-back-at-season-1-xv-the-pilot-script-deleted-scenes-part-1/

The script that has been floating around for a while is the Revised Network Draft from June 20. There were several revisions after that until the Table Read on July 8 and probably some more revisions after that. Then came the editing of course.

I'm not sure how many posts I will write. So far, I have scheduled another one for Sunday (about Siberia and the Helicopter Chase). Then I sure will have to write about the "Baywatch with Tanks" Scene laugh.gif .


I know not anyone can comment on my blog, but I will also bring the Deleted Scenes in here over the next few weeks if anyone wants to discuss them. I'm posting the shortest one for now because I have to crop and resize the other screenshots first...

Posted by: MacGyverGod 15 March 2018 - 06:41 AM
Don't know where to put it but starting tonight the reboot will be aired in Belgium every Thursday night, 4 episodes after each other. Currently I'm a little overbooked with tv, so I'll have to record it and watch it afterwards. Now I'll see for myself what they came up with. I think my reviews on the episodes will be coming soon. biggrin.gif

Posted by: Miasma 15 March 2018 - 08:10 AM
QUOTE (MacGyverGod @ 16 March 2018 - 02:41 AM)
Don't know where to put it but starting tonight the reboot will be aired in Belgium every Thursday night, 4 episodes after each other. Currently I'm a little overbooked with tv, so I'll have to record it and watch it afterwards. Now I'll see for myself what they came up with. I think my reviews on the episodes will be coming soon. biggrin.gif

You haven't seen the reboot at all yet?
It'll be interesting to relive the first season through your reviews, in that case. Looking forward to your opinions!

Posted by: MacGyverGod 15 March 2018 - 11:36 AM
Nope, there is a first time for everything.

Posted by: denizen 15 March 2018 - 08:37 PM
I think i got to episode 4 of Season 2 and i gave up. laugh.gif

Posted by: MacGyverGod 16 March 2018 - 04:55 AM
Sounds like you at least gave it a chance.

Posted by: Jediferret 16 March 2018 - 06:48 AM
QUOTE (denizen @ 15 March 2018 - 11:37 PM)
I think i got to episode 4 of Season 2 and i gave up. laugh.gif

I dunno why I got the feeling you gave up before that. Just had to give it another shot, eh? XD

@MacGyverGod - Do let us know what your thoughts are. The more opinions the better, I say. I'm usually half awake when I watch them, so I'm always a bit out of it when I go to write down my thoughts.

Yes, I know... it's awful... XD

Posted by: denizen 18 March 2018 - 09:26 PM
I actually did. Then with the opinions shared by others regarding how season 2 was going to improve, I gave it the benefit of the doubt. But it ultimately became more foreign than the first season and so i just stopped altogether.

I guess its just not that feeling of what i used to get from seeing the original.

Posted by: MacGyverOnline 19 March 2018 - 12:15 AM
QUOTE (denizen @ 19 March 2018 - 05:26 PM)
I actually did. Then with the opinions shared by others regarding how season 2 was going to improve, I gave it the benefit of the doubt. But it ultimately became more foreign than the first season and so i just stopped altogether.

I guess its just not that feeling of what i used to get from seeing the original.

The trick is not to expect it to feel or be the same.

It's a different show in a different era about the same character and that's really how it has to be watched.

Latest episodes are certainly entertaining, but it's still very dumbed down "no thinking required" entertainment.







Posted by: MacGyverGod 19 March 2018 - 08:17 AM
Exactly and I think this is why most of us get disappointed. We're still expecting more of the same thing which it no longer is. I think this is one of the reasons why I wasn't that impressed with Lethal Weapon. Riggs with a mustache? A different wife with a different fate. Murtaugh as a heart patient? Songs during action sequences, but after like six episodes, it started to get better, like it found it's footing so yes I am curious to that second season while they are of course no match compared to Mel Gibson and Danny Glover.

Guess I'll find out whether the new MacGyver is dumbed down with no thinking requiered. The original show was not exactly meant for the intelligent either. Can't think of one episode I couldn't follow as kid and I've been watching for 25 years. As a 6-7 year old of course I didn't understand a word he said nor what he was doing. Maybe Ugly Duckling. It was just cool when the old SAK came out, cutting things, connecting things and boom you can blow out a lock. To be honest, I think the original show was at least in some way educational without getting too 'schooly' or making you say: 'Should've paid attention in class'. That's what I like so much about the show. Everyone can understand it.

Posted by: Jediferret 19 March 2018 - 10:05 AM
That's one way of looking at it.

I'm just not a fan of the team oriented format, and I'm also not that big of a fan of reboots. If it wasn't for the original, I wouldn't give the Reboot the time of day simply because it's not my kind of show.

I can remain objective... and I've been more than fair. Heck, I've even recommended it to my friends who wouldn't touch the original with a 10-foot pole. Interestingly, they have no interest in the reboot either. lol

I just feel that the reboot isn't anything new... it just kinda comes off as a typical and boring.

It's not a bad show though... it's just not my kind of show.

Posted by: MacGyverGod 19 March 2018 - 02:12 PM
They're always feeding us the same thing. Everything bigger, faster and more spectacular with similar characters. It's like everyone can take out whole armies by themselves now. Rambo did that in the 80's when it was new, Xena did that in the 90's and pretty much everyone else after the year 2000. Of course nothing wrong with that.

But recentely I was thinking what if they now made a show like in the 80's and 90's, both an action/adventure and a family related sitcom with occasional drama and every week is a complete new episode with every now and then a two-parter.

Jedi, your friends really don't know what they're missing here. Try On A Wing and a Prayer or Humanity. Those would be two of my recommendations.

Posted by: denizen 19 March 2018 - 08:26 PM
I feel that if a show is different and exciting, it will find its own way to pull you in. Simply holding onto the character as a form of a leash is just not good enough. Lenkov made his own show.Whether we liked it or not was irrelevant to him.

When you see it, you will understand. This is H50 / NCIS. There is nothing new here.

When the original show was released, NOTHING compared to it. I don't feel i need to mindset myself to watch it. As an audience, i expect to be entertained, not spoon fed. And this incarnation is filled with spoon feeding what i already had this morning. laugh.gif

Posted by: Connelly 20 March 2018 - 02:49 AM
Someone on the magnum-mania forum posted an article from the Guardian newspaper here in the UK, about the Magnum reboot - I copied and pasted this paragraph because I think it's absolutely spot on (apart from Lenkov's first name being wrong!):


Worse, the new Magnum will be produced by Paul Lenkov, who has made a cottage industry of watering down shows you used to love. Lenkov was also the mastermind behind the Hawaii Five-O and MacGyver reboots, which should be enough to give you pause. His speciality seems to be taking good, sturdy, landmark shows – shows which were undeniably key parts of the cultural landscape first time around – and turning them into wallpaper. His versions are bright and lively and absolutely hollow, full of grinning haircuts who operate without any meaningful motivation. They’re empty calories. They’re things designed to make noise in the background while you look up recipes on your phone. I’ve tried watching Lenkov’s Hawaii Five-O. I really have, multiple times, but it’s impossible. There’s no weight to it. It’s like watching mist.


Posted by: denizen 20 March 2018 - 03:50 AM
Well there you have it. There is a predictable formula Lenkov uses. He does it in all his produced shows and i can certainly guarantee that Magnum will follow in these footsteps.

Using the old, this is how the life and times are nowadays routine. I disagree. If Bond can evolve but still remain in his element 5 decades after his inception, I'm pretty certain MacGyver & Magnum can too.

Posted by: DashboardOnFire 5 September 2018 - 09:03 AM
Rhett Allain - Technical Consultant for the Reboot - started blogging about the "MacHacks" for every episode.

Here you can read his blog post for the Pilot Episode: https://rhettallain.com/2018/08/01/macgyver-season-1-episode-1-hacks/

He also adds videos and explanations in later posts, and how plausible it is to work (since he's a physicist and teaching at University), so this is pretty cool.

Posted by: MacGyverGod 2 October 2018 - 03:45 AM
OK, so here we are.

For starters, I haven't read everything here and most replies are two years old by now. I'll just see where I can catch up or feel I can reply to as well.

Last night I began watching the new show. I've seen two episodes so far and in all I can say I'm far from disappointed.

Yes, it is fast-paced, it's more violent and there's more adult stuff in the first episode then in the entire run of the original. But this is not bad at all. At least not for a pilot episode.

There was not much I didn't like. I agree with most here on the MacGyverisms: it's too fast, you hardly get time to see what he uses. In 10 seconds or less he makes something out of nothing, while in the original he took his time to look for the things he needed, devise a plan and have it worked out. To me a fast escape in the original series was the pump house in Trail of Tears. Now he makes a parachute in 10 seconds to escape a moving vehicle that explodes. And actually that comes to it with the bad stuff.

When it comes to the characters...

I have no problem with that either. It's a reboot not a sequel and they still have to find their footing. That's why first episodes are always a little difficult. But the show really started with a bang. Then again most shows that starts with a bang run out of steam near the end.

I can see Lucas Till becoming a better MacGyver as the series progresses. George Eads seems to have immediately found his Jack Dalton from the get-go. Patricia Thornton was alright, maybe a little uptight since she apparently has to keep MacGyver and Jack in line. I can dig that but she's nowhere near Pete and really seems to dislike Jack. Pete wasn't so fond of Jack either but I think they eventually got along.

Now Nikki... there was something I really liked to see. A beautiful appearance and apparently setting a season-length storyline in motion. Ever since I persuaded myself that MacGyver and Nikki belonged together, I knew she was his girl. Glad to see that the reboot took on that angle. This is such a missed opportunity in the original. Those who were appalled by the brief shot of MacGyver and Nikki having sex or the handcuffs... it's what people in love do, you know, and we may have no clue how kinky the original Mac was. Don't forget in Deadly Dreams Eric Cross stood in a sex shop looking for Kandi and lured Murphy to a warehouse claiming Kandi was shooting a porn movie. Even if those scenes didn't involve MacGyver, it has been acknowledged and the episode was written by the producer himself. But that aside I'm just saying they appeared to have a very active love life.

Bozer... obvious comic relief but for some reason I think they should've named him Billy Colton.

Riley: no current opinion about her. She's like a female Dexter.

In all I think they made more than a decent start. There was plenty of nods to the original, like the voice-overs, and I have seen a mix of Fire and Ice, The Human Factor and The Wasteland. That they haven't exactly fleshed out MacGyver yet is normal if they start all over again. So MacGyver had a beer at the end of this episode, big deal. The original MacGyver had a sip of wine in The Heist when he was trying to open the vault. There's no need to get preachy about it. Yes, he called Vinnie Jones an sob. Are we going to cry about that? No, I don't think so. The original Mac said 'damn' more than once. I've read here somewhere that Lenkov is watering down the shows by rebooting it. To me he seems to be spicing things up. But, that won't mean he can deliver a better show then the original but what I've seen so far is a damn good one. The more things people hate or get panned, it's usually a lot better than people think. And just like the original probably some things will evolve over the course of the show. Just to name something, I would change his introduction to the original. I would want to hear him say: 'Name's MacGyver,' instead of him introducing himself as: 'I am Angus MacGyver.'

The one thing that cracks me up is when they call him: "Mr. MacGyver." Then I go: 'Nope, wrong guy.' But it's just so funny to hear them say it. What's next? "Goodbye, MacGyver"?

Lastly I want to say something about the episode titles. As I've read here a lot of people don't get the relevance of the episode titles since mostly in the first season the episodes are named to the tools of the SAK. The Rising does sound kinda cool to me and I get the relevance at the end of the episode. While DXS is shutdown they rise again as Phoenix Foundation. This episode however could've also been called: Virus. That's maybe how I would've called it. And maybe I should see if I can rename all the episodes so far.

So again, in all, I liked the first episode very much and I think I'm probably able to like the reboot as well. As much as the original, I don't know yet. My heart is with the original and whenever I write fanfics, I will always keep the original actors in mind and stick to the original as much as possible as I always did.

Posted by: sylvain1888 20 October 2020 - 04:00 PM
A restart all "smooth" but "suitable". And at the same time, did you really think this version of our favorite series was going to be better than Mac 85? In any case, this 2016 version looks good and it gets better over time, that's already taken ... long live this reboot.

Posted by: Guest 21 October 2020 - 07:33 AM
Bailed on the series midway through the 2nd season. As I've said many times on different boards, they might as well have called this show The Phoenix Foundation. Mac is simply one of a team of agents, and as for not using a gun [his trademark], it's pretty pathetic that he knows going into any situation that he's got armed back-up. It misses the whole point of who and what MacGyver is. So it's back to my Blu rays of the original. RDA was right... they shouldn't have done it. Or at least they should have done it right!

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