Alt.Fan.Disney.Gargoyles FAQ (posted monthly)

1. What Is A.F.D.G.?
2. How Do I Join in on the Fun?
3. Are They Making New Episodes or a Movie?
4. What Is the Episode Order?
5. Did Anyone Else Notice How Many Star Trek Actors There Are on This Show?
6. Wasn't Desdemona/Titania/Macbeth From Shakespeare?
7. What Is TGS?
8. What's This Gathering Thing I Keep Hearing About?
9. How Can I Obtain Copies of Episodes I Don't Have on Tape?
10. How Can I Contact Disney/Greg Weisman/Jeff Bennett?
11. Where Can I Find More Neat Things About "Gargoyles?"

1. What Is A.F.D.G.?

Alt.fan.disney.gargoyles is a newsgroup dedicated to the discussion of
all things related to the series "Gargoyles," which was broadcast on the
Disney Afternoon from 1994-1996, and "The Goliath Chronicles," which
broadcast on ABC Saturday mornings from 1996-1997.  Additionally, the
fandom itself has developed an existence beyond that of the show.  One
group of fans has continued the series in a fanfic project called The
Gargoyles Saga (see question 6).  Currently, "Gargoyles" is being
broadcast on the USA Network weekday mornings; check your local listings.

"Gargoyles" is an animated series focusing on the lives of six gargoyles
from 994, who were placed under a spell and awakened in 1994 by a
businessman with ulterior motives.  The gargoyles spend time adjusting to
modern life with the help of a new human friend, who also happens to be a
detective for the NYPD.  Sounds like a typical action-oriented kids'
show, right?  Wrong.  With close direction and outstanding writing, the
series follows several major story arcs, with appearances by characters
from classic literature and various religions.  The second season ends
most of the arcs, begins potential new ones, and completes the original
series with a climax that builds on the series as a whole.  It's a
cartoon with more continuity than a soap opera.

2. How Do I Join in on the Fun?

Jump on in!  Actually, your best bet is to lurk in the group for a few
days to a week and see what's going on first.  Hang out, get familiar
with the ins and outs of the group and the fandom at large, and when you
feel comfortable, post a message and say howdy.  We're a friendly bunch;
we'll probably respond.  If you post on something related to a TGS
episode, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE put **SPOILER** in your subject heading for
those of us who haven't read that episode yet.  Thank you.

Anything related to any aspect of any version of "Gargoyles" is fair game
for posting and discussion.  We talk merchandise, fanfiction, religious
undertones, and favorite episodes.  Posting of fanfiction is encouraged;
posting of feedback is similarly encouraged, but be constructive.  In all
your posts, here or in any group, remember that ideas don't have
feelings, but people do.  Disagreeing with someone's opinion in a polite
manner is good for discussion.  Telling someone he's stupid because his
favorite character is Travis Marshall is pointless and rude, and will
probably earn you a complementary thwap from Ye Olde Cluebat.  Quoting an
entire post to add "Me too!" to the bottom (or the top, for that matter)
is also a Cluebat offense.  "I agree" counts as "Me too!"

Kindly do not use the newsgroup as a means of airing your dirty
laundry.  If you have a problem with someone on the group or in the
fandom, take it up with that person and leave the rest of us out of
it.  The only thing flame wars bring are bad feelings and angry fen.

Some tips: If someone *doesn't* immediately post a followup to your
in-depth treatise on the Macbeth of history versus the Macbeth we
know and love, don't immediately assume we're ignoring you.  We may have
already had a discussion on the subject a week before, or maybe everyone
is taking (or giving) finals.  Also, it takes a while for posts to reach
every news server; have patience, young grasshopper.

Like every other group on Usenet, we have the occasional spam.  Ignore
it.  Don't post a followup just to flame the sender; whoever it is most
likely never reads the group anyway.  Put the thread in your killfile (go
to the help function on your news browser if you don't know how) and go
on with your life.  Your killfile is your friend.

3. Are They Making New Episodes or a Movie?

No, there are currently no new episodes in production, nor does it look
as though there will be new eps anytime soon.  The ratings for the series
were never good, so despite critical acclaim and fan support, it was
cancelled after three seasons (some people refuse to acknowledge anything
after Season 2).  There were a total of 78 episodes, including The
Goliath Chronicles.  There are *no* unreleased episodes, nor are there
any lost scenes which made it all the way through production.  The only
unbroadcast videotape of a Gargoyles-related series is a five minute
leica (sp?) reel of "Bad Guys" (previously "Redemption Squad"), a proposed
spinoff of the series.  Greg Weisman owns the only copy; there are no
bootlegs, so don't bother asking.  This is a Good Thing -- there remains
a chance, however slim, that "Bad Guys" will be purchased by Disney (or
Oberon forbid, somehow leased to Nelvana).  Having the reel in the
public domain could jeopardize that chance.

There *has* been discussion of a live-action film.  Current rumours tag
Jim ("Con-Air") Kouf as head writer, but still absolutely no word on
plot, characters, settings, etc.  Greg Has Said he'd push for Keith David
doing Goliath's voice.  We are free to speculate about everything at this
point, but don't hold your breath on the final project being finished
anytime soon.

4. What Is the Episode Order?

Season 1:
Awakening, Part I
Awakening, Part II
Awakening, Part III
Awakening, Part IV
Awakening, Part V
The Thrill of the Hunt
Temptation
Deadly Force
Enter MacBeth
The Edge
Long Way to Morning
Her Brother's Keeper
Reawakening

Season 2:
Leader of the Pack
Metamorphosis
Legion
A Lighthouse in the Sea of Time
The Mirror
The Silver Falcon
Eye of the Beholder
Vows
City of Stone, Part I
City of Stone, Part II
City of Stone, Part III
City of Stone, Part IV
High Noon
Outfoxed
Revelations
Double Jeopardy
Upgrade
Protection
The Cage
The Price
Avalon, Part I
Avalon, Part II
Avalon, Part III
Shadows of the Past
Heritage
Kingdom
Monsters
Golem
Sanctuary
M.I.A.
Grief
The Hound of Ulster
Walkabout
Mark of the Panther
Pendragon
Eye of the Storm
The New Olympians
The Green
Sentinel
Bushido
Cloud Fathers
Ill Met By Moonlight
Future Tense
The Gathering, Part I
The Gathering, Part II
Vendettas
Turf
The Reckoning
Possession
Hunter's Moon, Part I
Hunter's Moon, Part II
Hunter's Moon, Part III

The Goliath Chronicles:
The Journey
Ransom
Runaways
Broadway Goes to Hollywood
A Bronx Tail
The Dying Of The Light
And Justice For All
Genesis Undone
Generations
... For It May Come True
To Serve Mankind
Seeing Isn't Believing
Angels In The Night

5. Did Anyone Else Notice How Many Star Trek Actors There Are on This Show?

Yes.  We have.  Many times.  The Word From Greg [TM] is as follows: once
Jon Frakes and Marina Sirtis were cast as Xanatos and Demona, each time
they needed to cast a new character the two of them were there offering
suggestions and nudging their coworkers.  The Semi-Canonical List of Trek
Actors on Gargoyles is as follows:

Michael Bell (Groppler Zorn, TNG) ... Martin Hacker
Avery Brooks ... Nokkar
Levar Burton ... Anansi, Poacher
Michael Dorn ... Coldstone, Taurus
Jonathan Frakes ... David Xanatos, Coyote (robot), Alexander Xanatos (adult)
Matt Frewer (Rasmussen, TNG)  ... Jackal/Anubis
Gerrit Graham (Quinn, VOY) ... Tom (adult)
Robert Ito (Tac Officer Chang, TNG) ... Dr. Sato
Tony Jay (Campio, TNG) ... Anubis
Clyde Kusatsu (Admiral, TNG) ... Kai
Colm Meany ... Mr. Dugan
Kate Mulgrew ... Anastasia Renard, Titania
Nichelle Nichols ... Diane Maza
Salli Richardson (Fenna/Nidell, DS9) ... Elisa, Delilah
John Rhys-Davies (Leonardo DaVinci, VOY) ... Macbeth
Morgan Sheppard (Dr. Ira Graves, TNG) ... Petros Xanatos, Odin, King Kenneth
Marina Sirtis ... Demona/Dominique Destine, Margot Yale (1st and 2nd season)
Brent Spiner ... Puck
David Warner (St. John, ST5; Gorkon, ST6; Gul Madred, TNG) ... the Archmage
Paul Winfield (Captain Dathon, TNG) ... Jeffrey Robbins

Other Luminaries (by no means complete [and looking for additions]):

Thom Adcox Hernandez (Under Siege 2) ... Lexington, Brentwood
Monica Allison (The Jacksons: An American Dream) ... Beth Maza
Ed Asner (The Mary Tyler Moore Show) ... Hudson, Burbank
Bridgitte Bako (Strange Days) ... Angela
Roxanne Beckford (?) ... Tea
James Belushi (Taking Care of Business) ... Fang
Jeff Glen Bennett (Friday the 13th Part 6) ... Owen Burnett, Brooklyn,
        Vinnie Gregarino, Malibu, the Magus, Mao Chalvim, leader of the
        commandoes, and random voices.
Clancy Brown (Highlander the Movie) ... Hakon, Wolf, Brode
Ian Buchanan (Twin Peaks) ... Constantine
Rocky Carroll (Crimson Tide) ... Derek Maza/Talon, Glasses
Scott Cleverdon (?) ... Jon Canmore/John Castaway, Rory Dugan
Jesse Corti (?) ... Jade
Robert Culp (I Spy) ... Halcyon Renard
Jim Cummings (Darkwing Duck) ... Dingo, Matrix, other voices
Tim Curry (The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Legend) ... Dr. Sevarius
J.D. Daniels (In Search of Dr. Seuss) ... Tom (child), Gunther Sturlisson
Keith David (Spawn, Dead Presidents) ... Goliath, Thailog, Officer Morgan
Neil Dickson (She-Wolf of London) ... Griff, Prince Duncan
Sheena Easton (Indecent Proposal) ... Finella, Banshee, Robyn Canmore
Hector Elizondo (Chicago Hope) ... Zaphiro
Bill Fagerbakke (Coach, Stephen King's The Stand) ... Broadway, Hollywood
Ed Gilbert (The Pagemaster) ... Captain of the Guard, Bodhe
Richard Grieco (21 Jump Street, Marker) ... Tony Dracon
Charles Hallahan (Dante's Peak, Hunter) ... Travis Marshall
Michael Horse (Twin Peaks) ... Peter Maza
Marabina Jaimes (Santo Bugito) ... Torquesa
Darren McGavin (Kolchak: The Night Stalker) ... G.F. Benton/Dominic Dracon
Elisa Pensler Gabrielli (?) ... Obsidiana
Don Reed (?) ... Fara Maku
Roger Rees (Cheers) ... Prince Malcolm, Judge Roebling
Emma Samms (Dynasty) ... Gruoch
Laura San Giacomo (Just Shoot Me, Pretty Woman) ... Fox
Ruben Santiago-Hudson (Michael Hayes) ... Gabriel
Peter Scolari (Bosom Buddies, Honey I Shrunk the TV Show) ... Preston Vogel
Tony Shalhoub (Wings) ... The Emir
Charles Shaughnessy (The Nanny, Days of Our Lives) ... Douglas Bader
Kath Soucie ... Princess Katharine, the Weird Sisters, Maggie Reed,
        Ophelia, Mary
Terrence Mann (Big Top Pee-wee) ... Oberon
Cree Summer (A Different World, Courthouse) ... Hyena
Rachel Ticotin (Steal Big, Steal Little) ... Captain Maria Chavez
B.J. Ward (Voltron, G.I. Joe, Flight of Dragons) ... Fleance, Billy's Mom
Frank Welker (Animaniacs, Tiny Toons) ... Bronx, Cagney, various voices
Tom Wilson (Back to the Future 1-3) ... Matt Bluestone
Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. (Hotel, Airport 1975, Batman: TAS) ... Mace Malone

6. Wasn't Desdemona/Titania/Macbeth From Shakespeare?

Yes.  A large number of references in the series come from the Bard's
plays, including characters, lines, and episode titles.  Eventually, Greg
hoped to incorporate many more themes and characters (Prospero for
example) but that is as yet unrealized.

Shakespeare's plays and the Gargoyles characters from them:

"Macbeth": Macbeth, Fleance, Banquo (M's modern-day flunkies)
"Othello": Othello, Desdemona, Iago (script-only names for Coldstone's
        three personalities, later Coldstone, Coldfire, and Coldsteel)
"A Midsummer Night's Dream": Puck, Oberon, Titania
"Hamlet": a gargoyle named Ophelia on Avalon (whose naming would have
        predated Shakespeare by well over five hundred years)

There is also extensive quotage from the various plays, including
"Hamlet," and "King Lear," (not to mention Monty Python and Star Wars) but
they're far more fun if you figure them out on your own. :)

7. What Is TGS?

TGS stands for The Gargoyles Saga.  This is a fan-run version of the
series, which begins after "Hunter's Moon, Part III" and ignores the
events in "The Goliath Chronicles."  The story ideas are taken from
tidbits given us by Greg Weisman, the series creator, and are an
approximation of The Master Plan.  Four series are currently in
production, with others possibly to follow.  NOTE: The project is
currently in summer hiatus, with new episodes premiering in October.
Take this opportunity to catch up on those you missed the first time
around!

Gargoyles: Takes place after "HM3."  The continuing adventures of the
        Manhattan Clan
Dark Ages: Set in 971 AD.   The clan when Hudson was leader.
Pendragon: Set in current times.  The adventures of King Arthur and Griff
        on their quest for Merlin.
Timedancer: Set in various times.  Brooklyn's adventures with the Phoenix
        Gate.

Possible future series include:

Bad Guys : Takes place after "HM3."  Robyn Canmore, Dingo, Matrix, Yama, and
        Fang try to redeem themselves.
Future Tense: Set in 2158.  The adventures of our heroes' descendants and
        certain immortals.

For more information, see the TGS homepage at:

http://tgs.gargoyles-fans.org/

8. What's This Gathering Thing I Keep Hearing About?

The Gathering is a yearly convention held by Gargoyles fans for Gargoyles
fans.  The past two cons have been in Manhattan, and they were a blast,
with panels, discussions, Masquerades, tours of the city, sneak previews of
TGS, as well as presentations by Greg Weisman.  The Gathering '99 will be
held in Dallas, Texas.  As soon as there is any information available on
a web site, the URL will be found here.

Archives of previous Gatherings can be found at these locations:
http://gathering.gargoyles-fans.org/97
http://gathering.gargoyles-fans.org/98

9. How Can I Obtain Copies of Episodes I Don't Have on Tape?

Many people on the group are seeking copies of episodes.  A few are
willing to make them.  Buying copyrighted material is illegal, but paying
for the cost of a video tape and postage is in that fuzzy grey area of
legality we tread by just being here.  The best idea is to post a query,
and ask for replies OFF THE NEWSGROUP.

10. How Can I Contact Disney/Greg Weisman/Jeff Bennett?

The cancellation of the series has left the fandom alternately depressed,
resigned, angry, and/or fighting mad.  There are fans who have chosen to
go on with the series in the form of TGS.  Some have given up hope of
ever seeing a new episode, others see it as a means of appeasing their
hunger while waiting for the series to arise again from stone sleep.  A few
believe that, given enough support, the series could be picked up again
by Disney in the next year or three.  Whatever your own beliefs on the
matter, a letter to Disney couldn't hurt our cause (unless, of course, it
begins with something akin to "You slime-sucking jerks!" That would be
unproductive.).  If nothing else, a letter might give The Powers That Be
a clue that we exist.  "We're here.  We're fen.  Get used to it."

The Walt Disney Company
ATTN: Buena Vista Television
500 South Buena Vista Street
Burbank, CA 91521
http://www.disney.com

To contact Greg Weisman with a question about the series, go to the Ask
Greg section at Station 8 (address below) and put your question in the
queue.  There's currently a backlog, but he's getting to them bit by
bit.  Included in Ask Greg are snippets and upcoming spoilers for the
series if it had continued, as well as the occasional story.  Pop in and
check it out!

To contact any of the voice actors, your best bet is to send a letter to
the last production company for whom she/he worked.  Disney is a good
place to start; Paramount for the Trek actors.

Marina Sirtis
c/o Paramount Pictures
5555 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90206
http://startrek.msn.com

Jeff Glen Bennett
c/o Warner Bros. Studio
9210 San Fernando Road
Sun Valley, CA  91352
http://www.wb.com

Currently, "Gargoyles" is on the USA Network.  As of 12/26/97, it can be
seen at 7 and 7:30 am, EST.  Set your vcrs and/or alarm clocks.  To
contact USA, email them at shows@usanetwork.com, and ask them to please
keep broadcasting our show.

In the Fall, the show is scheduled to start on Toon Disney, sister
channel to the Disney Channel.  If you don't get it, contact your local
cable company.  As of this post, the show had not yet started showing.

11. Where Can I Find More Neat Things About "Gargoyles?"

Oh, the places you'll go ...  The best places to get your wings wet on
Gargoyle information are the following web sites:

http://www.tvplex.com/BuenaVista/Gargoyles/

        The Official Buena Vista Web Page.  It has very little useful
        information, but there are games and icons for Windows and Macs.
        NOTE: It appears to be down.  If anyone has info on another
        location, let me know.

http://www.gargoyles-fans.org/

        This is the original Garg-fan webpage, and remains the standard
        for information and details.  Features include episode summaries and
        reviews, merchandise info, the main fanfiction archive, a TGS mirror
        site, a chat room, and Avalon Mists, the Gargoyles Webzine.

http://www.s8.org/gargoyles/

        Station 8 ties with fans.org as the best Gargoyles site on the
        web.  This page is loaded with graphics and features multiple
        chat rooms, a comment board, a page to Ask Greg questions, a site for
        new writers, as well as all sorts of goodies for your computer.

http://avalon.gargoyles-fans.org/

        Avalon is back and better than ever.  Click here for screen
        grabs, sounds, movies, and chats, all in an eye-catching format.

http://www.usanetwork.com

        The Official USA Network home page.  It includes the broadcast
        schedule for the episodes being shown weekday mornings.

There are also several mailing lists to join for more generalized
discussion of the series.  Each one has its own set of rules and
guidelines to follow; find out early what the rules are for the one(s)
you join.  To subscribe to the Gargoyles Mailing list, Send e-mail to
majordomo@spamguard.taronga.com and put the words SUBSCRIBE GARGOYLES in the
To join the Gargoyles Fanfic Mailing List, send e-mail to
alliep@spamguard.astral.magic.ca with the word SUBSCRIBE in the subject
area.  There is also another Gargoyles mailing list for the Alternative
Gargoyles Universe, dedicated to posting and discussing fanfic and new
characters based on the Gargoyles universe. To subscribe, send e-mail to
ebony@spamguard.microsys.net and put subscribe garalt in the body of the
message.

(Note: to send to the actual addresses, remove the "spamguard.")

If Internet Relat Chat (IRC) is more your cup of Earl Grey, /join
#gargoyles at any of the following servers:

USA:
Portland.OR.US.Chatnet.Org
SF.CA.US.Chatnet.Org
WalnutCreek.CA.US.ChatNet.Org
LosAngeles.CA.US.ChatNet.Org
Pensacola.FL.US.ChatNet.Org
Stillwater.OK.US.ChatNet.Org
Tupelo.MS.US.Chatnet.Org
Pocatello.Id.US.ChatNet.Org
SLC.UT.US.ChatNet.Org
RockHill.SC.US.ChatNet.Org
Louisville.KY.US.ChatNet.Org
Manchester.NH.US.ChatNet.Org

EUROPE:
Frogn.NO.ChatNet.Org

Finally, POST TO THE NEWSGROUP.  We need discussion, debate, anything to
keep interest alive in our show.  Remember, back when Star Trek was
cancelled, it only had a few loyal fans, separated by distance.  *We*
have the Internet.

Welcome to the rookery.

***

Send suggestions and flames to mrwilson@umr.edu.

--
Melissa Wilson aka Merlin Missy | http://www.umr.edu/~mrwilson/merlin.html
        mrwilson@umr.edu        | "Cry CHEEBLE! and let loose the hamsters
        missy@darklair.com      |    of war!" - Nancy Lebovitz Button
BONCer, Froggie, Rookery Sister, Owenite Nun, Occasional Honorary Natpacker