The news this week that Sela Ward would be joining the cast of CSI: NY left some of us very ambivalent. Reactions ranged from, “I love Sela Ward; so glad she got the job!” to “How unfair for Sela — that’s the best job she could get?” Count me in the latter camp; the radiant woman who starred in the glorious Once and Again should not be co-starring in the weakest, bleakest of the CSI franchises.
This is a common dilemma for TV watchers of every sort. If you are a devoted fan of the cult fave Firefly, I don’t think it’s possible to look at the perfectly pleasant Castle and believe, deep down, that Nathan Fillion is doing work that’s worthy of him.
And, sorry, How I Met Your Mother and Forgetting Sarah Marshall just don’t showcase Jason Segel’s talents the way his double-shot of Freaks and Geeks and Undeclared did. (Only his reunion with Judd Apatow in Knocked Up comes close, but you’ll never convince me that even a funny film like Knocked is superior to F&G.)
What do all of my examples have in common? Obviously, all the actors I’ve cited emerged from quality shows that were low-rated, relatively quickly canceled, series. The more-admired shows were critics’ darlings, the more dubious of you might say.
I understand the business side to this. Actors need to feed and clothe themselves; there are only so many jobs around, and are hard to come by. And who among us does not want the security of steady employment?
Still, think about it. Whatever TV show Kyle Chandler or Connie Britton might move on to once Friday Night Lights ends its run, isn’t it likely that both I and you will be moaning, “But that show isn’t worthy of his/her talent!”?
Do you agree? Disagree? What other actors are in shows that simply aren’t worthy of their talents?
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While I might agree with you on Sela Ward, I don’t think Nathan Fillion is the great actor that you believe him to be. He’s entertaining, and he occasionally gets hired by people besides Joss Whedon, but his gig on Castle is exactly at his level.
I agree. I love Nathan Fillion but he is not a great actor. I think Castle suits him perfectly.
Agree. An actor’s job is to entertain and Nathan Fillion is doing it beautifully on Castle. The guy isn’t Olivier for heaven’s sake.
I have to agree here. I love Nathan Fillion and Castle is a pretty mediocre show, but it is exactly the type of show he should be doing. Could you picture him on Friday Night Lights or Breaking Bad? I think generic ‘dramedys’ are where he is best suited.
I think Nathan Fillion would’ve been perfect for Green Lantern.
I loved Nathan Fillion on Miss Match, can’t get into Castle I tried it.
beth – i LOVED miss match… it reminded me so much of “cupid” (although not nearly as clever). which also brings me to MY pick for wonderful actor that never gets a good enough roll: paula marshall. if i ruled the world, so would paula…
I think some people put Firefly on a pedestal. I’ve never seen it, just the Serenity movie, but to some people it’s the end all be all of shows.
steph, you might want to watch Firefly; you may re-think your position, esp after watching Fillion and guest (twice)nemesis Christina Hendricks act together. Great stuff.
That’s because Firefly was the show to end all shows. Greatest show ever! And this article is bogus. I love Nathan Fillion in Castle. And I love Jason Segal in HIMYM. However, don’t give a flying fig for Sela Ward.
I totally concur with D, Miss S — the series Firefly is 10 times better than the movie which acted as merely a weak ep. (Sorry Joss!) Every actor on Firefly is working successfully right now on Mad Men, Chuck, V, Stargate, Metalist, Warehouse 13, Supernatural and Broadway! — Torres, Glau and Tudyk are all over the place.
Heck, watch Nathan’s guest starring role on the last season of Buffy — I swear to you it was chilling and sexy & I’ve been in the biz for 30 years… And yes, the show Castle is weak and boring.
It’s a ‘cult’ show like most of Whedon’s stuff… but you really can’t make a comment about a show being overrated (put on a pedestal) and then admit you haven’t even seen it!!
Wow, you actually bothered to comment on a show you’ve admittedly never seen. Really?
She didn’t comment on it other than to say that people put it on a pedestal. Which is true.
serenity was fun, but the full range of joss whedon’s and nathan fillion’s talent is not apparent until you watch all 13 episodes of Firefly. Nathan Fillion (along with the majority of the rest of the cast, to be fair) is just fantastic. Adam Baldwin is another one whose talent is not showcased as well as it could be on “Chuck,” imo, if we’re going to talk about Firefly folks. Also Morena Baccarin in “V.” God, that show is just…not good.
I’ve seen the first couple episodes…just not the series as a whole. I couldn’t get into it. That was a couple years ago, maybe my tastes have changed, I don’t know.
That being said, I love Nathan Fillion in Castle. I have a wee bit of a crush on him lol. Jason Segal is great in HIMYM. This article is crap.
Well I did see the show, the BF made me watch it, and honestly I don’t get the never ending love for it. It’s okay, but not life changing.
I hope “Firefly” DOESN’T show the FULL range of Whedon’s and Fillion’s talent. If that’s true, then the Avengers movie that Whedon’s directing is going to be a hot mess of a film.
Nearly everything that works in Castle works because of Fillion. While I think the writing team is now writing much more challenging material that allows him to excel, Fillion’s still the magic MAKING that show always pleasant and occasionally awesome. Nevertheless, whatever you may feel about Castle, it’s the promised land compared to Drive, the show Fillion better hope NEVER reaches DVD.
Totally and completely agree with you especially about Drive. God that show was AWFUL!!!
Totally agreed. Nathan Fillion was the biggest reason I never got into “Firefly” — he’s always half-smirking at the camera, and I never bought him for a second as some tough outlaw type. But on “Castle,” the material is light and witty and perfect for him.
Your not very analytical or observant, Noelle. Nathan had several scenes in Firefly AND Serenity where he displayed very well his stoic hero-ness and seriousness. He has an uncanny ability TO play a witty soldier-type who covers his pain with comedy. Never seen Trigun?
Oh, Firefly – how I love that show! It was recommended to me years back, and I resisted (Cowboys in space? Really?) When I finally gave it a try, I was drawn in completely, and by the time I was half-way through the series I was already mourning the end of it. It wasn’t only Nathan Fillion – a wonderful ensemble cast backed him up – but I was definitely in love with Captain Reynolds.
Watch “out of gas.” He deserved an Emmy for that episode. If you don’t think so, well…we…disagree? A lot?
Fillion *makes* Castle, and that’s the best thing you could ever say of a TV actor. Sela Ward is better than CSI:anywhere, but then again, most decent actors are.
I love Castle!
Elizabeth Mitchell in “V”!!
Totally agree with you on Sela Ward! I loved Once and Again and she deserves the best. I also agree with Jeff that Elizabeth Mitchell deserves better than the new V.
I love Nathan Fillion and I love Castle. I hate Firefly and Serenity was too boring. So I think that all is about perspective. Fillion is great like Castle and is not a mediocre show or character.
Totally agree. Fillion is playing a “just right” role.
I don’t see anyone could look at Malcolm Reynolds and think Rick Castle is on Nathan Fillion’s level. fillion has a lot more in him than Rick Castle and I think he is being under used!
This message board is filled with people who appear to disagree with you. Fillion’s never showed any subtlety as an actor.
It’s true, Nathan Fillion has talents that Castle, by the very nature of the show, CANNOT portray. But then, pretty much only Joss Whedon could make a character that really shows off his abilities. And Castle, without Nathan Fillion…would just be the Bones copycat it was designed to be.
If you don’t believe he’s got subtlety, even after watching Firefly…well, first, get your eyes checked, and then try the end of season 7 of Buffy (the arc with Caleb). He plays a total psychopath, and the first time I watched those episodes, I had some serious trouble sleeping that night…
I think Nathan Fillion playing Caleb on Buffy is a perfect example of how good an actor he is. I thought he played an excellent villain. He was very convincing as a misogynistic sociopath. He had that sort of nonchalant attitude that made him eerie and creepy, while also kind of frightening you. From the southern twang, the half smirk, and convincing delivery of the sermons, he had me hating him.
Nathan Fillion is a fine actor. If you disagree you either didn’t see Firefly or your rampant narcissistic personality disorder won’t permit you to praise anything or anyone you didn’t invent/see/praise first because that would make you irrelevant. Your posts on this board are “just right” since you’re obviously not up to any challenge that involves anything more strenous than trolling on BB’s or blogs. Have fun with internet mediocrity.
agree on Nathan Fillion, I have always thought that
Definitely disagree with what you said about Forgetting Sarah Marshall. It served as a showcase for Segel’s unique energy in the same way that Freaks and Geeks (both had him singing) and Undeclared (where his recurring role was the best part) did.
Totally agree. Forgetting Sarah Marshall AND HIMYM are hilarious, incredible, and showcase Segel’s brilliance.
The HIMYM diss was so unnecessary. That show is awesome! Definitely not the same as starring on “CSI: NY.”
I agree Tom, Forgetting Sarah Marshall was hilarious, and Jason Sega was great in it. And sorry Ken, but Knocked up was not funny, it was sexist and stupid.
I kept wanting to like that movie, but it’s my least favorite of the Apatow movies.
Jason Segal is awesome in everything, and I agree with the others that HIMYM is great, but the Marshall character can get hidden sometimes because it is 5 people they are trying to write for after all – and all 5 are talented.
Is that you, Katherine Heigl?
Nah, Knocked Up *was* sexist and stupid – in fact, the most one sides sexist movie I’ve seen in decades.
Knocked Up is sooooo funny! Stupid movies are “Walk Hard” and “Step Brothers”. Knocked Up is incredible because there are actually some really serious/deep moments in the relationships and the characters. Especially the juxtaposition of the mens night out and the women’s night out. Man. SO GOOD!
Okay Ken, we get it. You don’t like “Castle”. Millions of us do, and you are not going to sway our opinions. Move along, please.
ITA. Castle is as entertaining and at the same time comfortable as it should be for it’s time slot. At that time of night, I don’t want to turn off the TV with cut up bodies or serial killers on my mind. The casting of the show is superb and Nathan Fillion has a solid base of fans who love him. What’s your problem?
Reading your comment made me remember a show like Hart to Hart w/Robert Wagner and Stephanie Powers, it was popular for the same reason Castle is today…likeable stars in a light-hearted murder/comedy…something light and easy before we go to bed at night. I LOVE Nathan Fillion…my husband teases me about my crush, but its nice to see him on anything that has stayed on for more than a season..so I will take him anyway I can get him…so let’s stop picking on Castle.
…or Remington Steele.
he’s not trying to sway your opinion. he’s just giving his opinion, which he has a right to.
And I have a right to give mine. “Firefly” was great, but it’s GONE. Get over it!
I adored Hart to Hart, thanks for reminding me about that show!
Writing an article once expressing his dislike of a certain actor’s new show is giving his opinion on the matter. On a third article? No. Tucker’s got some serious issues about Fillion on “Castle.”
EW, I’m sure you can find a better “journalist” than Ken Tucker.
To quote Bill Murray… yeah, and some people like blood sausage. people are morons. Oh and I think you need to add Hugh Laurie to that list considering the last 5 years or so of House going down hill.
Speaking of Bill Murray, it makes me weep to think that he did movies like Garfield (2 of ‘em!).
Ken Tucker is still mourning Firefly and while I loved FF too I think it is time for the widow’s weeds to come off!
Ken basically stated in his review of Castle that nobody can top anything by Joss Whedon which bothered me. Does this mean that Fillion has to be in something by Whedon for the rest of his career? Fillion said himeself that he want’s to distance himself from Whedon because he wants to “make it on his own”
And Castle is a great show that is perfect for him.
Time to take off the Firefly tinted glasses and see that Castle is a fun show, entertaining and much better than a lot of crap on TV.
Couldn’t agree more. I don’t get this “Joss Whedon cult” at all… I watched “Firefly” last year and the show didn’t impress me at all, to be honest. Nothing special. And I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE “Castle”. Mostly because of Stana Katic
))
Time for the widow’s weeds to come off….nicely put. Shouldn’t all of the Fillion-fans be happy he’s on a hit show that ABC promotes the hell out of, so they can see him every week, instead of languishing on a cult hit that received short shrift from FOX due to its lack of across the board appeal?
Agreed. Fillion makes Castle work. Firely was brilliant; sadly, I didn’t discover until much, much too late that a sci-western was NOT an oxymoron. But it’s over, long dead. Let’s move on.
I think that HIMYM is worthy of Jason Segel’s talent but I think his role could be better. His character definitely has the least laughs. But the show and rest of the cast are all great especially the underrated Alyson Hannigan from Buffy!
You can’t seriously find Ted or Lilly funnier than Marshall, thats just not logical.
What?! Marshall is the best character on HIMYM … Segel’s performance is more under-rated than NPH (although I heart NPH!) … just watch him when he’s in the frame but not the focus… the way he stays in character reminds me of Captain Sparrow in Pirates.
Are you kidding? Marshall gets the most laughs from on HIMYM tied with Barney.
WHAT???? Marshall gets the least laughs??? Marshall might actually be the funniest…He and Lily (Alyson Hannigan) are like the central comedy of the show…
I noticed you tagged Fringe. Fringe is only so-so because of it’s admittedly mediocre ratings, but really that whole SHOW deserves better.
I really like Fringe
Yeah! Fringe is awesome!!
Nathan Fillion is a great actor and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Castle! I think it’s way more than a “perfectly pleasant” show. The whole cast is fantastic!
fan,
Totally agree with your comment.If I miss it on TV I go to the full episode player to catch up ASAP!
I didn’t even realize Nathan was on Desperate Housewives, which I never miss either. I must have been drinking through those episodes, he-he…
I think he’s perfect as the lead in Castle.
Agreed!
Yes, Stana Katic is amazing and Fillion is awesome, together they are dinamite!!
“Very” ambivalent? Really?
As a huge fan of castle and Nathan Fillion since he was on One Life to Live. He is what makes Castle great and he gets to express his range from comedic talent to his barely suppressed love for Beckett. Let’s be happy he landed a show that didn’t get canceled after the first season.
I loved Nathan Fillion on OLTL. He was the best Joey Buchanan ever, which is saying a lot because about twelve different actors have played the role…
A man’s Buchananity is what separates him from reptiles and lawn furniture
Rebekah, if you didn’t steal that line you should be writing professionally.
Totally disagree with you on Nathan F. I tried to watch Firefly…just not my cup o’ tea. To each their own. But if you asked him, I think Nathan Fillion would say he’s perfectly content to collect a more than decent paycheck while on a well-written, successful network TV that is viewed by many, has a cast he truly likes working with and garnered him even more fans. Seriously, Ken…why stir up trouble? I know it’s just your opinion, but slow news day? No other ideas to grouse about?
Loooooove Nathan Fillion, so glad he is on a much loved successful show. Sure its a bit cotton candish and not more CSI’ish but its ok. Its actually not a bad show to watch when there are kids running around the house.
Would LOVE to see him IN firefly (I mean really WHY didnt Scyfy ever pick that show up ??!!)
and I had read that was his all time favorite role, still Im content with Castle for now and my weekly Fillion fix.
Does he actually love working with the Castle cast? I could’ve swore I read that he and Stana Katic practically hated each other. Or at least they once did…
ive never read anything about him not getting along with Katic. They seem cute and he is so charming in real life as well, i cant imagine anyone not liking him!
You’re thinking of Moonlighting – Bruce Willis and Sybil Shepherd didn’t like each other “in real life” and it brought a perfectly good show down.
There has been nothing but good vibes coming off of the Castle set by the regulars and guests.
Hmm I don’t know that I agree about Nathan Fillion. Castle is really a pretty good show and I think it’s well-suited for his talents. Is it the best show on television, full of dramatic turns and likely to bring in nominations? No. But I’d rate it above CSI: NY and other run of the mill procedurals. I suspect that Mal was the role of a lifetime and that most fans of Firefly will always feel that anything Nathan does will be inferior (with the exception of other projects involving Joss Whedon), and while I wouldn’t want to see Nathan still in Castle in eight years, it’s a project I’m content to see him in for a few more.
I do understand that slight frustration at seeing someone with great talent cast in a lesser role though. This was pretty much my reaction to Paul Gross in Eastwick last season. Thankfully that’s been cancelled and he can move on to better things.
I (still) haven’t seen Freaks and Geeks so maybe I can’t judge, but I’d argue that the first few seasons of HIMYM weren’t so bad for Jason Segel. It’s after that when the writers forgot that Marshall is a pretty bright guy with a law degree and started giving him nothing to do or terrible material that it became a problem.
Yeah, I love HIMYM and everyone in the cast, but putting Marshall in a suit was not a great move.
Agreed. I much preferred silly lawyer Marshall to annoying man-child Marshall.
Fillion’s best performance was as the sheriff in “Slither.” No Whedon in sight.
Hey Ken. I am pretty much one of the biggest Fillion fanboys, and I think Castle is a great show.
So shut up. Hack.
so because he disagrees with your opinion he’s a hack? get a life and realize nathan fillion does not give a damn about you.
The ellipsis is obviously the grumpiest of punctuation marks.
thanks for the chuckle em dash
Although, sometimes it can be coy or thoughtful…
Most of the people that like Nathan Fillion came to that conclusion because of Castle. Fillion is great, but the show is so-so. Firefly, on the other hand, is a fantastic show, and one many of his so-called fans have never seen. At least Nate is getting paid – good for him. I agree with Tucker, though.
No matter what the critics say, the only real of success in the arts is longevity. Depending on the art form the term can have different meanings. On TV it’s pretty clear cut – you get the audience you last, if you don’t your gone. Believe me actors want to be on a long running show. Everybody want to be Sam Waterston.
You’re right about longevity being a sign of success in the arts, but here’s the point that shouldn’t be missed: Poor network scheduling decisions like airing episodes out of order and on Friday nights may cause a series like “Firefly” to earn low ratings and be cancelled. But 20 years from now, when “Castle” is nothing more than a listing on Nathan Fillion’s IMDB page, people will STILL be talking about “Firefly.” There will still be people dressing as Browncoats at sci-fi conventions, writing Firefly/Serenity fiction and wishing there was SOME way another movie could be made. THAT’S the kind of longevity that marks true ARTISTIC success!
Does this make Hefner an artiste of the highest order?
I’d say NO. There IS a difference between artistic success and notoriety.
Also, Forgetting Sarah Marshall is a hilarious movie.
So… shut the hell up, you hack.
I’m sure Ken is laughing at your comments just as I am.
He didn’t say it wasn’t hilarious, he said the role wasn’t as rich as Jason Segel deserves to play given his talents
Despite the fact that Segel specifically wrote the movie to play to his strong suit. And the entire vampire musical was actually his that he created a long time ago.
And the whole thing with him standing naked while Sarah Marshall broke up with him was actually from his life experience.
Yeah – K (and especially) Mel – shut the hell up.
Jacob nothing you can do will as you say, shut me the hell up. Grow up kid. You sound like a little boy who just got his toys taken away.
Regardless of this FSM-esque spat, FSM was a movie I thoroughly enjoyed.
Agree on th Sela Ward issue, however I’ll watch her in anything. Hopefully CSI:NY gets better with her.
Fillion….is amazing. and I love Castle
Speaking of CSI:NY, I hope Skeet Ulrich finally gets more recognition. I think he should be on this list somewhere. Much like Nathan F., he’s a cult hero who should get some better material.
CSI:NY is the only one of the franchise that I like. Love Sela Ward, so she should be a good foil for Gary Sinise. I like the entire cast.
Nathan Fillion leaves me cold.
Each to his own.
I have to completely disagree with you Ken. I happen to love all 3 of the shows you have listed. I watched Freaks & Geeks and I was a huge fan! I love Jason Segal and I think he is perfect for HIMYM! I do wish that his role was bigger but he is still perfect and perfectly rounds out the cast. He is very funny and I loved Forgetting Sarah Marshall! Marshall is very funny and he plays perfectly off Alyson Hanigan’s Lily! Him and NPH make the show for me!
I love Castle! Nathan Fillion is a terrific actor and while I haven’t seen Firefly(yet) or Desperate Housewives, Castle is the perfect fit for NF. His personality is right and his sense of humor is great! It is a light hearted comedy with some drama mixed in. It is not supposed to be the big heavy hitting action that you are imagining or maybe used to seeing Nathon Fillion in. NF is a perfect fit for Castle.
CSI:NY is the only one of the franchise that I watch. I know not alot of people hold it up in the same regard as the other two but I will take Gary Sinise and his Mac over the other two any day. I happen to think the CSI:NY cast has the best chemistry and to me it shows how well they get along off camera (this is based on interviews I have seen from the cast on TV, internet etc and many times they say how much they love working together). I LOVE Sela Ward! My mom and I watched Once and Again together and I liked her on House and I am glad she is on TV. I think she will be a good fit and perfect partner to Gary Sinise and the rest of the cast. But to each their own.
If you like Fillion and can stomach some fairly light horror, try a little-seen film called Slither.