[Spoilers] Discussion Topic: Season 9

[rachelshamyfan]

Michy jyst posted in comic con thread that the first three episodes have been 

written! 

[stardustmelody]

Steve says the premiere will start a few hours after the finale. http://tvline.com/2015/07/10/big-bang-theory-chuck-lorre-scorpion-spinoff-joke/ 

I think he made it sound like they would start with Leonard and Penny too, I don't know if thats just me tho.

Also the writers have been back for 4 weeks. [ S C R E A M ]

I agree that he made it sound like he would start with the Lenny storyline since it sounded  like it opens in Las Vegas.   So there clearly will be Lenny story in the premiere and not just Shamy story (as if I ever doubted that at all anyway...they always have all the cast in each episode).  I also think there will be a continuation of the Emily/Raj story in the premiere.

[The Mushroom Log]

I agree that he made it sound like he would start with the Lenny storyline since it sounded  like it opens in Las Vegas.   So there clearly will be Lenny story in the premiere and not just Shamy story (as if I ever doubted that at all anyway...they always have all the cast in each episode).  I also think there will be a continuation of the Emily/Raj story in the premiere.

Good to know that the premiere will be tackling both the Lenny and Shamy storylines  

I also think they'll continue Raj/Emily...not too sure where Howardette/Stuart will fit in, whether they'll get their own storyline too or will be slotted into one of the others.

[mirs1]

As long as the premiere is not another 4 plot episode...Please, focus on a couple of stories, you have a whole season for the rest of them!!

[Ranger Rosa]

Usually the first episodes of a new season has storylines divided proportionally. As long the season goes by, they focuses more or less in a specific plot. I really'd like to know what were the original plans to season 8, before the Carol Ann Susi's death.

[stardustmelody]

Usually the first episodes of a new season has storylines divided proportionally. As long the season goes by, they focuses more or less in a specific plot. I really'd like to know what were the original plans to season 8, before the Carol Ann Susi's death.

Yes, usually the premiere is divided proportionally and it also sets the stage for the upcoming season, while tying up lose ends from the previous season.   Premieres usually don't focus much on story movement as setting story direction which then plays out in future episodes.  

[Carlos]

As long as the premiere is not another 4 plot episode...Please, focus on a couple of stories, you have a whole season for the rest of them!!

I agree with this completely> I don't know why lately the writers seem to think they have to divide episodes that way. Tell the story you need to tell and just reference (in varying degrees) what might not be so important at that time, and when you pick it up do so for the right reasons and expand it into whatever it needs to be. If it were up to me I'd like to have an A plot, a B plot and (if needed) a C reference. In the following episode the A may become the B or the C, and each story should run the arc is supposed to as opposed  to rushing it or staying too long on it. Sounds complicated but the writers could pull it off, that 's why they are who they are.

[Ranger Rosa]

I agree with this completely> I don't know why lately the writers seem to think they have to divide episodes that way. Tell the story you need to tell and just reference (in varying degrees) what might not be so important at that time, and when you pick it up do so for the right reasons and expand it into whatever it needs to be. If it were up to me I'd like to have an A plot, a B plot and (if needed) a C reference. In the following episode the A may become the B or the C, and each story should run the arc is supposed to as opposed  to rushing it or staying too long on it. Sounds complicated but the writers could pull it off, that 's why they are who they are.

The show ends in two years, they may want to extend some storylines for a while. Maybe after all these years creativity is not so high as before.

[rachelshamyfan]

The show ends in two years, they may want to extend some storylines for a while. Maybe after all these years creativity is not so high as before.

There is an option for another 1 or 2 season extension,  which i hope comes true

[djsurrey]

The show ends in two years, they may want to extend some storylines for a while. Maybe after all these years creativity is not so high as before.

I think the contract has an option for season 11.  It really all depends on how TBBT is doing in season 10.

I don't think there is a problem with creativity. Both making changes and not making changes carry risks. A significant change will put them out on a limb and I kind of expect they don't want to take the risk too early. Gradual change is safer.

Edited July 13, 2015 by djsurrey

[mirs1]

There is an option for another 1 or 2 season extension,  which i hope comes true

I also hope for Season 11 (and maybe 12...) I think it will depend on ratings in Season 9 and 10...For this reason, in my opinion, in the past season nothing really happened till the finale; they are keeping some major events (engagements, weddings, etc...) for the next two season in order to get high ratings and hopefully new seasons to come...I don't know if it is the right strategy, it looks like if you see how crazy people is getting for the finale, but...let's see the ratings of the premiere and of the rest of the season to tell...

[rachelshamyfan]

All I know is I'm not ready for this show to end, I will never be ready!

[Ranger Rosa]

All I know is I'm not ready for this show to end, I will never be ready!

Oh, I am. Since they renewed the show for 3 more seasons (8, 9 and 10) I'm getting used to this idea. Because it is inevitable, it will happen some day. And honestly, I think it's better to end things on season 10, what they'll create next? Recycling plots from past seasons? No, not a good idea. I don't wanna see this beloved show ending up like "Two and a half man" or other show whose story took a very different turn from the one the viewer got used to/liked. 
So, if it could happen somehow, I think it's better to end at season 10. Better end while it's popular and good.

[Tensor]

I think the contract has an option for season 11.  It really all depends on how TBBT is doing in season 10.

I don't think there is a problem with creativity. Both making changes and not making changes carry risks. A significant change will put them out on a limb and I kind of expect they don't want to take the risk too early. Gradual change is safer.

yes, there were reports that the contracts for the original five had an option for an 11th year.  But, for an 11th year, Mayim and Melissa would have to sign new contracts( their current one only runs through season ten). 

[djsurrey]

Oh, I am. Since they renewed the show for 3 more seasons (8, 9 and 10) I'm getting used to this idea. Because it is inevitable, it will happen some day. And honestly, I think it's better to end things on season 10, what they'll create next? Recycling plots from past seasons? No, not a good idea. I don't wanna see this beloved show ending up like "Two and a half man" or other show whose story took a very different turn from the one the viewer got used to/liked. So, if it could happen somehow, I think it's better to end at season 10. Better end while it's popular and good.

Extending or not extending will likely be a money decision rather than a creative decision. They will care more how many are watching and not so much about what fans think.

I think TAAHM was a strange anomaly. TBBT is completely different and it has a cast that seem to be happy with each other and with the writers.

Edited July 13, 2015 by djsurrey

[Ranger Rosa]

Extending or not extending will likely be a money decision rather than a creative decision. They will care more how many are watching and not so much about what fans think.

I think TAAHM was a strange anomaly. TBBT is completely different and it has a cast that seem to be happy with each other and with the writers.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it was the same money decision who cut off precious seconds of shamy's kiss on finale, right?

[Nogravitasatall]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it was the same money decision who cut off precious seconds of shamy's kiss on finale, right?

Well, feelings are mixed about that. It was not necessarily a bad thing. Lol. Always leave them wanting more... or less. hehe

Edited July 13, 2015 by Nogravitasatall
spelling

[djsurrey]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it was the same money decision who cut off precious seconds of shamy's kiss on finale, right?

I don't think it is the same sort of thing. For example different people would be involved. Others might be able to confirm but I think the decision to cancel will be made eventually by CBS. I think the editing is done at Warner Bros. I guess networks can cut a show down. I don't know how that works but I expect the studio films more than it needs and routinely makes cuts to fit the content to the right format. We know for example that some scenes get multiple takes. They don't likely all take exactly the same amount of time. Especially considering time for audience reaction is variable. Stuff has to come out I think.

Edited July 14, 2015 by djsurrey

[Chrismo]

The show ends in two years, they may want to extend some storylines for a while. Maybe after all these years creativity is not so high as before.

I agree especially with your second line. The obvious lack of creativity was the finale last year. The Leonard cheating on Penny and Sheldon with the ring is proof of that. Some of the cast is in their forties already. Three years from now could be scary. I'm not sure how my avatar changed as a footnote. SOS

Edited July 14, 2015 by Chrismo
Avatar

[Ranger Rosa]

I don't think it is the same sort of thing. For example different people would be involved. Others might be able to confirm but I think the decision to cancel will be made eventually by CBS. I think the editing is done at Warner Bros. I guess networks can cut a show down. I don't know how that works but I expect the studio films more than it needs and routinely makes cuts to fit the content to the right format. We know for example that some scenes get multiple takes. They don't likely all take exactly the same amount of time. Especially considering time for audience reaction is variable. Stuff has to come out I think.

I guess it is CBS's decision, because then they could open time for more ads, and ads at primetime give them very money. Anyway, they could cut other scene then, haha!

I remember when I first read here that there was a shamy kiss and it was hot (if I didn't read here, someone told me, I can't remember clearly, sorry). I was very excited about this particular scene described as hot and then...not even near hot (ok, it was hot for their terms, but not where I live, not at all!). I got very pissed off, haha.

[Carlos]

I think that CBS would want to renew because barring a catastrophic decline in ratings, I would think that TBBT is still very profitable. Regardless what the cast might have said in the past the decision really is up to them , if they want to keep on doing the show. Another thing to consider is that if "the big 3" are getting 1 million per episode, wouldn't they want an increase in pay? Personally, if Season 8 is any indication as far as quality, I would like the show to finish in Season 10, because I don't enjoy it as much as I did, and (to me) the quality of the writing has decreased dramatically. IMO TBBT is not even a shadow of what it once was.

[Ranger Rosa]

I do enjoy. I like the storylines. I don't laugh too much as I used to, I just watch because of the characters. The beginning of past season was great, I always feel like they're funnier when take a break. But the bad luck wave kinda affected the story. Hope they return with more comedy. 
Still don't get why "the main trio" make 1 million per episode and the others make less. I know they're not main characters, but that's unfair.

[rachelshamyfan]

For me the only bad(ish) episode was the final which was a bit bizarre, looking forward to another great season

[Tensor]

Still don't get why "the main trio" make 1 million per episode and the others make less. I know they're not main characters, but that's unfair.

Because of the way contracts in the business  work.  Just remember, the following is based on reports and are in the ballpark, though probably not completely accurate.  The amounts are per episode.

At the beginning of the show, Johnny and Kaley were known quantities from their previous history on TV.  Jim, while more of an unknown quantity was part of the original unaired pilot and was given billing over Kaley on the new show, although all three were getting around $60k).  Simon and Kunal, were, like Jim, more of an unknown quantity on TV and reports had them getting $25k.   TV actors generally sign a contract that ties them to the show for seven years (if it continues that long) when they sign to a show.  There are generally clauses in the contracts that allow the actors to renegotiate their salary after three years, if the show is successful.   All of the original five did this after the third year.  

Kaley, Jim, and Johnny originally planned to negotiate together, but Jim broke away and wanted more money, Warner Brothers basically told him no.  They got an escalating salary (from $200k in year four to $325-350K, depending on sources) in year seven.  Simon got raises to $100k in year five, Kunal was reported to be getting $75k.   Jim, Johnny and Kaley also got part of the back end (syndication rights) worth a quarter of a point.   

In year four,  Melissa and Mayim joined the main cast.  That would have taken them to year 10.   After season six, they were able to renegotiate, which they both did.  Reports have them getting raises from $20-30k for their original contracts, to starting at $60k in their fourth year (year 7 of the show) increasing to $100k by the end of their contracts.  I heard that they also added a year to their contract, which would take them through year 11 of the show.  I would think (just on general principles) that Mayim and Melissa would get rather healthy raises in that last year.  

Of course, last year, Johnny, Jim, and Kaley got reported raises to $1 million, with an increase in the backend to 1.25 points.  Kunal and Simon also got raises to 600-800k, increasing to $1 million by season 10 (that's right, the original five will all be getting a million and episode in season 10).  I haven't heard anything about back end for these two, although that should have been part of their negotiation.   It was also reported that all five have and option year (the studio's option) for year 11, which would make sense and bring them in line, at least the ending of their contracts, with Melissa and Mayim's length out to year 11.  

The reason for the disparity basically goes back to what they were originally getting, along with where they were at on renegotiating their contracts.  As Melissa and Mayim joined the show later, started as recurring, they started at a lower salary, are mostly bound by their original contracts.  Remember, while they were eligible to renegotiate, they studio still had control, as they were still signed through season 10, even if they didn't renegotiate.  

[Ranger Rosa]

Because of the way contracts in the business  work.  Just remember, the following is based on reports and are in the ballpark, though probably not completely accurate.  The amounts are per episode.

At the beginning of the show, Johnny and Kaley were known quantities from their previous history on TV.  Jim, while more of an unknown quantity was part of the original unaired pilot and was given billing over Kaley on the new show, although all three were getting around $60k).  Simon and Kunal, were, like Jim, more of an unknown quantity on TV and reports had them getting $25k.   TV actors generally sign a contract that ties them to the show for seven years (if it continues that long) when they sign to a show.  There are generally clauses in the contracts that allow the actors to renegotiate their salary after three years, if the show is successful.   All of the original five did this after the third year.  

Kaley, Jim, and Johnny originally planned to negotiate together, but Jim broke away and wanted more money, Warner Brothers basically told him no.  They got an escalating salary (from $200k in year four to $325-350K, depending on sources) in year seven.  Simon got raises to $100k in year five, Kunal was reported to be getting $75k.   Jim, Johnny and Kaley also got part of the back end (syndication rights) worth a quarter of a point.   

In year four,  Melissa and Mayim joined the main cast.  That would have taken them to year 10.   After season six, they were able to renegotiate, which they both did.  Reports have them getting raises from $20-30k for their original contracts, to starting at $60k in their fourth year (year 7 of the show) increasing to $100k by the end of their contracts.  I heard that they also added a year to their contract, which would take them through year 11 of the show.  I would think (just on general principles) that Mayim and Melissa would get rather healthy raises in that last year.  

Of course, last year, Johnny, Jim, and Kaley got reported raises to $1 million, with an increase in the backend to 1.25 points.  Kunal and Simon also got raises to 600-800k, increasing to $1 million by season 10 (that's right, the original five will all be getting a million and episode in season 10).  I haven't heard anything about back end for these two, although that should have been part of their negotiation.   It was also reported that all five have and option year (the studio's option) for year 11, which would make sense and bring them in line, at least the ending of their contracts, with Melissa and Mayim's length out to year 11.  

The reason for the disparity basically goes back to what they were originally getting, along with where they were at on renegotiating their contracts.  As Melissa and Mayim joined the show later, started as recurring, they started at a lower salary, are mostly bound by their original contracts.  Remember, while they were eligible to renegotiate, they studio still had control, as they were still signed through season 10, even if they didn't renegotiate.  

Wow, what a bible, lol. Thanks for clarify