Jack Davenport: “FlashForward”: if no news is good news…

… what’s new news then?

The random first:

FTP Prods submitted a special application for a film permit [for FlashForward] at 2828 Butler Ave., for filming scheduled to begin Feb. 16 and end Feb. 18.

City Councilman Alfredo Flores jokingly asked if there would be any autographed head shots provided for council members of some of the cast members. “I’m just kidding,” he said.

No joke is the recent news from the “FlashForward” front, though.

As if the hiatus for “Flash Forward” and the date-juggling over at ABC weren’t bad enough (at the moment, the series is supposed to continue on 18 March, 2010), we now have to learn that

CO-CREATOR DAVID GOYER IS STEPPING DOWN FROM HIS ROLE RUNNING THE SERIES,

though he’s quick to assure that

“I’m proud of the show and excited about the relaunch.  It’s in great hands.”

Ah. Well, the same was said about the US version of “Coupling”, and we all know how that turned out. I really want to believe in the success of FlashForward, despite this chaos. I also want to believe in unicorns.

I’ll keep my fingers crossed for Jack Davenport and everybody else involved with the show; maybe we’ll witness a miracle and “FlashForward” can recover. But so far, we have artificial hype and many online gizmos by the makers, yet not a strong, solid fanbase. There simply aren’t enough fans who really care. That sort of emotional investment into a show, vitally important for its success, can’t be bought. Why, yes, I’m disappointed.

On a more positive note,

HERE’S AN INTERVIEW WITH JACK DAVENPORT

And now for something completely different – rumours and gossip!

DON’T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU READ ON WIKIPEDIA.

Anybody capable of starting a computer can edit entries. Information, be it on a person’s professional or private life, is only reliable when it comes from a reliable source. And as far as private information goes, it’s none of our business, anyway. Caveat lector!

JACK DAVENPORT ON FACEBOOK?

Yes, there’s a “Jack Davenport” on Facebook. (Or two. Maybe three.) The person running that facebook is clearly stating in her profile that she is not the “real” Jack Davenport, and that it’s a fan project. She’s not pretending to be somebody she’s not. Looks like innocent fun to me.

As you can tell from my usage of third person, it’s not me who is running the facebook in question, even if there’s a link to “Good Boy, Sparky”. I also don’t know who’s running it. Facebook is to me what garlic is to a vampire. Also, I’m a dog and am not allowed to have an account. So if you’re upset because you don’t like this fan project, don’t clutch your pearls in my mailbox. Any further complaints regarding this matter will be deleted and your address will be marked as spam.

Keen-eared South Essex College: Jack Davenport cast for Radio Campaign

Jack Davenport is announced as ‘the voice’ of South Essex College

Now that’s what I call a good idea. South Essex College’s very own Pied Piper – I predict record-breaking enrolment numbers!

“(…) Jack Davenport, the star of smash hit US TV series FlashForward and the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy has been cast in a new role, as the voice of South Essex College of Further & Higher Education for its first ever radio campaign. (…)”

“(…) On choosing his voice, Marco Scarola, Head of Marketing and Communications at the College, said: “Jack’s voice perfectly encapsulates the image of South Essex College of Further & Higher Education, having both a reassuring quality and sense of professionalism. It’s no wonder that he is in such demand for voiceover work with major products and is many people’s first choice for narrating documentaries.” (…)”

“Flash Forward”: new promo pictures, four of Jack Davenport

New cast pictures have surfaced, of which four are of Jack Davenport.

CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL OF THEM

Luckily, they cut back on the make-up this time.

Flash Forward: airing date moved again

The new episodes of “Flash Forward” have been pushed back even further – now to start on 18 March, 2010. Maybe it took them longer to catch the flying monkeys who, as we all know, are the true villains.

And if we may believe rumours of a crucial scene with a surprise guest star, the story might not go the way we thought it would. I actually have a theory:

Urgent charity appeal: Earthquake in Haiti

I’d like to ask everybody who can spare a quid to help and support those who try to get some sort of order in the terrible chaos and devastation caused by the earthquake in Haiti. People are in desperate need for help.

The following organisations will take your donations:

MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES/DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDER

INTERNATIONAL RED CROSS

Thank you.

Jack Davenport: Flash Forward into 2010!

I hope all of you had a good start into the new year. I’m sitting here, holed up in my igloo, and watch the mammoths pass by. This winter really proves to be a challenge for a little dog; only yesterday, I had a fight with Fluffy, Mrs. Miller’s saber-toothed tiger. Ice-ages just aren’t what they used to be anymore.

But back to the present or, rather, the future.

“QUO VADIS, FLASH FORWARD?”

That must be the most-asked question landing in my mailbox during the holidays (followed closely by “Will Norrington return?”). Now, even the most dedicated fans of the show can’t completely deny that the show’s been written into a corner of sorts. I don’t mind it being slow-paced, but by now, it’s really only Jack Davenport and Dominic Monaghan who keep me watching.

Still, I hope for a  jump start of the story in March, when FF should return to our TV screens. First the end of the hiatus was given as 4 March, now it’s 17 March – to avoid a clash with “American Idol”.

Jack Davenport and Dominic Monaghan in "Flash Forward".

For now, many people write a lot about the show, without saying much. It’s like watching “Question Time”. Some are already tuning their laptops for the swansong to Flash Forward; others are confident that, despite plummeting ratings, the show will continue. Here are some comments from the blogosphere.

DOWN BUT NOT OUT, FLASH FORWARD JUST NEEDS TO ADJUST

Don’t believe any rumors you may hear about the imminent demise of the ABC action series FLASH FORWARD.

FLASH FORWARD: WILL IT BE GREAT WHEN IT RETURNS?

Creator David Goyer says FlashForward will be a much different show when it returns in March to ABC.

FANS OF FLASH FORWARD COULD BE LEFT IN THE DARK

It really might not matter when the show returns. The series has lost so much ratings juice if you were to flash forward six months you would see it had been canceled.

The article also mentions that Jack Davenport is one of the few actors who know how the show should end, as he refused to sign his contract without knowing where this was going. While that was very sensible, he’ll have to invest a hell of a lot of money into security fences, private army and ninja dogs to keep fans and convention promoters away if the show should get cancelled without a resolution.

Now for some positive news:

“FLASH FORWARD”, SERIES 1: RELEASE ON 23 FEBRUARY, 2010

Take that date with a pinch of salt, though; with the airing of the new episodes moved to mid-March, it’s possible there will be a change for the release date as well. But what’s a week or two – main point is that there will be a DVD!

Sparky over and out, “Being Human” is waiting (pardon the plug).

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas…

I wish all of you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas, a blessed Yuletide and a peaceful, healthy New Year with many memorable moments and lots of laughter (and at least 17 seasons of “Flash Forward” for the dedicated fans of Jack Davenport!)

It wasn’t easy to convince Sparky to pose for a picture, but the prospect of a Sirloin steak did the job:

And because Christmas and Yule are actually more about giving than receiving, why not make a donation to my charity of choice these holidays?

Usual disclaimer: this is the charity of choice of the webmaster.

ACTION FOR CHILDREN

We live in a society that’s surrounding children either with paranoid overcaution or hostility born out of fear. We’re all quick to lament neglected children, but drag our feet when it comes to prevent or stop neglect and abuse. That goes for the government, but also for each of us personally. Because we are the relatives and neighbours who should notice.

If parents, for whatever reasons, neglect their children, we have to take action – before the next “WHY?” headline in the tabloids. As long as we ignore the problem, neglect will happen. So please – don’t look away. Thank you.

ACTION FOR CHILDREN: BLOG

Friends, Romans, countrymen: we have a winner!

SPARKY’S BIG YULETIDE CONTEST

is over, and our mailbox was flooded with mails from all over the planet, giving the correct answer:

In the “Pirates of the Caribbean” trilogy, Jack Davenport played James Norrington.

The winner was drawn this morning, and it is

~~°~~ JEMMA ~~°~~

Congratulations!

The DVDs of “That Deadwood Feeling” and “A Christmas Story” as well as a lovely scented candle from L’Occitane and delicious chocolate are on their way to Canada.

Thanks a lot to everybody who participated in the contest, and also thanks for the many lovely comments about Jack and Flash Forward!

Many asked if Jack would be in the next “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie. Unfortunately, I don’t know more than you, folks. Sorry!

Jack Davenport’s presence would be about the only thing which might tempt me into buying a ticket for “PotC: On Stranger Tides”. And only if James Norrington was alive, shaved, washed, wearing the uniform of the Royal Navy and in the movie for more than two minutes. Nyah!

Jack Davenport on the Radio: “Last Train to Dog Town”

With Flash Forward being on hiatus, Jack Davenport might be out of sight – but he’s certainly not out of earshot. He’ll read a short story by Joanne Harris on BBC Radio 7:

LAST TRAIN TO DOG TOWN

An author is stranded with the characters of his unfinished Western story.

There are two broadcasting dates:

Tue 15 Dec 2009, 2.15pm
Wed 16 Dec 2009, 4.15am

You can also listen to the drama for a week after on BBC iPlayer.

Woof! Sparky’s Big Yuletide Contest!

Don’t know how to survive the “Flash Forward” hiatus?
Already counting the days to the return of Jack Davenport?

Then you should enter our

SPARKY’S BIG YULETIDE CONTEST!

Sparky’s been a friendly dog – he’ll keep his favourite squeaky toy, but found some goodies which will add some extra fun to some lucky winner’s festive season:

1 x DVD “That Deadwood Feeling”
Jack Davenport, Dexter Fletcher, Demetri Goritsas, David Soul and others in a blackly comic film noir, a tale of three guys who dream of making a movie, of becoming players in the game of life. What could be simpler?

1 x DVD “A Christmas Story”
Peace, harmony, comfort and joy? Maybe next year. Ralphie Parker desperately wants a Red Rider BB gun for Christmas, but his mother refuses, fearing he’ll shoot his eye out. But neither his mother, Santa Claus nor the neighbourhood bullies can destroy Ralphie’s dream… hilarious Christmas comedy, set in the 1950s and one of my favourites.

1 x L’Occitane en Provence: Bougie parfumée “Fleur d’Oranger”
Orange blossom scented candle from L’Occitane. Sparky has one in the doghouse, too! L’Occitane is a French company, known for cosmetics of best quality. They support local production and don’t test their products on animals. Woof!

And because Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without sweets, you’ll also get some chocolate!

And what do you have to do to win this smashing Yuletide package?

Just send an email to

sparky  at  goodboysparky. net

and answer the following question:

“What’s the name of Jack Davenport’s character in the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ trilogy?”

That’s all. Even a wiener dog could answer that!

Deadline: 15 December, 2009, midnight GMT.

Please read the following rules before you send off your mail.

RULES:

1. By participating in this contest, you confirm that you have read, understood and accepted the rules.

2. You have to be at least 18 years old to participate.

3. Please be fair: only send in one mail per person.

4. No cash pay-out of your prize.

5. No correspondence will be held over the outcome of the contest.

6. If you are the winner, you’ll have to provide us with your name and address.

7. We’ll send your prize out asap, but have no influence on postal services. We hope the DVDs will be with you before Christmas, though.

8. Should, for any reason beyond our control, one of the prizes not be available, we’ll replace it with a different prize of the same value.