'October Road's' Josh Appelbaum Paves The Way For a Finale
Although we've come to the end of the Road, Josh Appelbaum, his writing partners, the viewers (me, included), we just can't let it go. Despite the team behind October Road already scoring a new gig -- running ABC's remake of the BBC's Life on Mars -- they have not forgotten their promise to give OR's dedicated fans the resolution we desire.
"We got the call that the show was cancelled on Tuesday at 9:45 in the morning," Appelbaum told me today, "And by 10 o'clock at night, me and [co-executive producers] Scott [Rosenberg] and Dre [Nemec] were writing the finale. It's sort of like therapy for us, but the most important thing is that it means closure for the fans."
Apparently, everyone in the cast, from Bryan Greenberg to Penny Johnson feels the same. "I called each one of them and they were all just unbelievably gracious," Appelbaum shared. "I went down the list and said, you know, we're planning on doing this thing, and every person said, just tell me when and where and I'll be there."
The details? It will likely be in three parts, run about 15 minutes long and pick up where the show left off, answering the question of who Sam's father is and what the fate of each relationship will be. "Separate from even knowing who Sam's father is, we've always known how we wanted to end the series," said Appelbaum. "Whether the show went two years or seven years, there's always been a particular moment and peice of closure that we wanted and we're going to be able to get to that intended end."
Appelbaum promises that all the other storylines will be tied up as well -- from Janet and Eddie to the Commander's health, from Aubrey and Ronnie to Physical Phil's great fears -- because the fans deserve that: "The nice thing about this whole experience is that this show about friendship has created an environment of friendship and community among the cast. And when we look at the message boards, we feel like that's sort of extended to our viewership too. We're happy to do this for them."
Whether the 15-minute finale will air on YouTube, be sold on DVD or dropped from the sky by carrier pigeons has not yet been decided. But one way or another, Roadies, take heart. You will get to hang out in Knight's Ridge once last time.
You rock Korbi! Thanks for taking care of this for us!
WOOOHOOO!! even though this is NOT what we wanted for the show, or how to get our "closure," this sort of makes the pain a little less painful. i just hope it is not too far down the road for us fans...
Thank you, once again, Korbi for your continuous support of October Road AND for keeping us in touch with the plans to give us the conclusion, the answers, we so desire. We're not done fighting. But it's nice to know that if we don't succeed, we are so lucky to have a creative team behind October Road that cares about the fans enough to give us our answers. Thank you again Korbi and thank you to the wonderful cast, crew and creative team at October Road. We are so glad to have had the chance to enjoy this one of a kind wonderful tv show!
Thank you so much for the update Korbi! As always, you rock. Please keep us posted!
Thanks for the report. I was thinking of a 2 or 4 hour finale...but I'll take 15 minutes..if that's what we get. Bummer, great, great show....
Thanks for the information. As sad and disapointed I am that ABC decided to drop October Road I look forward to getting this closure.
Thanks for this post Korbi. The writers, cast and crew are just awesome to know they couldn't leave us hanging. They also know we are not giving up on this show. We are working harder than ever to bring it back so it can be played out in the way intended. The Pay October Road Forward campaign still runs strong and donations are still happening. New fans are coming aboard. So, just to let anyone else out there know, the fight is not done. Join in the campaign. You can find everything you need to help at the following link:
http://www.youchoose.net/campaign/pay_october_road_forward_for_season_3_4_more
Hoodehoo Roadies!
Korbi,
Thank you so much for keeping all of us diehard Roadies in the loop. Sadly, we were hoping for a Season Three, but if this is all we get than I'm okay with that! I'm just so glad that we will find out the answers to all of our burning questions. Thanks Again!
Whoop!
Should have known they wouldn't let us down. We think OR is in our blood but these guys have LIVED it for years. Can't wait to see what they have in store. Glad all the cast is on board!
Sure wish we could have a weekly installment but we may have to settle for this. OR would fit in nicely with the CW, Lifetime, Oxygen, etc. & we haven't given up hope.
Thank you Korbi,still can't believe they would cancel show like this.But there is hope once again on the OR message board that we will bring our show back.I just purchased another October Road DVD and will donate it to our library tomorrow.And there is lot more going on to bring OR back.So if someone want's to check OR Message board at ABC you are more than velcome to join us!We are not ready to let go of OR and ABC will hear from us.Thank you again and stay tune Marta