mixed emotions & hodgepodge of reactions.
1) Whoa.
2) Best wishes to Melina on all her future projects. Her time on NY has ensured I will be curious about whatever she takes on. Startled and disappointed she won't be returning to the show for S7. Affectionate support for her where ever she decides to go next.
3) The timing of all this seems unusual. Not just the announcement of MK's departure, but of Ward being a likely addition to the show. Down to the very wire. Mulling.
3) Declined a Deal, which encompasses more than just a possible request to consider a "pay cut." Still. Another possible example of CBS hard-lining this year.
($$ was no doubt present as an issue, and possibly even negotiations on cuts to realize a tightened production budgetary tetris, but also not alone in what was discussed. It's just no one else's bidnez, is all).
At least Creative Reasons wasn't cited.
4) Selfishly: Lindsay apparently returns and Stella leaves? Ass-backwards of what I'd have liked, that's for sure. This could be very, very painful teevee viewing if Lindsay happens to feature more should airtime indeed be freed up.
5) Wonder what NY is gonna do with this? Story-wise etc., I mean. Doesn't sound like MK will be participating in the departure of her character. 'S all tricky business in the middle of a cliff-hanger.
I'm doubting that Melina will be returning to somehow give the character an exit, at least not to start the season. Depending on what has gone down and how, I suppose she could possibly return as a guest further in. Who knows.
6) The show could indeed do worse than Sela Ward joining the roster.
7) Selfishly & perhaps on teh ebil side: I will not miss the Smack debate of the sort that was recently fed by Twilit hype. At least, I will not miss that there will be no new fodder for it. I'm sure in itself and in FF that it will continue merrily on regardless. (Just IMO folks, nuthin more).
I
will miss the dynamic that Stella created/contributed to, with regards to how she played among the cast of characters, and within stories.
8) Guess S7 is even more a pivotal one for the show. Lenkov gone. Cast shake up. New slot. Shift in showrunning dynamic. Other implied related residual shifts. Wobbly hit & miss preceding seasons.
As hard as the transitions might be, there are great opportunities amid the rubik's cube of contributing puzzle pieces. I hope the show manages to find its feet and a new resolve.
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If Melina wasn't gonna be given scaled or relative parity within various terms with what other dramatic leads in similar shows are getting, and the trade off in a life sense wasn't worth what the network beanies were pitching, absolute kudos to her for walking away.
I don't know her, but of her, and I'm thinking it's MK's personality and presence as part of the show as much as Stella as a character that will be missed, especially by those she worked with.
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As for the apparent number of female characters exiting shows. Noticeable when they are typically outnumbered by their male counterparts, especially on procedural type shows. What stood out to me more is that the show couldn't or wouldn't come to terms with a
leading character, even if within an ensemblish show. That's the kicker there.
Wondering. What kind of terms Ward may be offered in coming aboard, esp. with this kind of timing. IE. how many eps she may be in and the like. What role her character will take on, show-wise and team-wise. If the show, its stories, and appearances will level out more across characters. Neither good nor bad, just curious. With Hill's tweet on (possible) additions plural, it sounds like that could (possibly) be the case.
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As always, curiosity and hope for quality and content is what will determine whether I watch or not. I've come and gone from NY before. Vegas stumbled but has found its feet with their WP/LF transition. So who's to say.
I will miss Stella, and I wish MK well. I will not resist new characters and casting but see who they are and how they are integrated. I will not judge a season without seeing it first. As always, I will give the show a clean slate as I keep my glass half full.
Some big changes ahead for NY. Meaning also big opportunities & new license. I will be tuning in to see what they come up with.
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Thank you Melina Kanakaredes, for the past six seasons on CSI:NY. The news inspires sadness & fondness, disappointment but also hope for you all at the same time. You will be missed, but you will also be supported wherever you go. Although it may be odd to some for me to phrase it this way, congratulations to you as well on new directions. I hope CSINY did right by you personally. I hope the show does right by all you've contributed, in how they handle the departure of your character as well. Best of luck and nothing but the best of wishes to you.
(I am not a hug person. ...But I think I'd be inclined to give you one as you go on your way
)
Best,
:bolian:
