Jun 17, 2013 |
Every so often, I like to give a shout out to my favorite TV Show, Canada’s FLASHPOINT.
If you’ve been around the Blog any length of time, you understand how this wonderful show has affected me. Sounds silly, right? Or over-dramatic? Yah. From the other side of the fence I’d agree with you. But on the inside looking out, all I can say is you don’t know what you’re missing.
Right now I’m all wrapped up in Grey’s Anatomy on Netflix. But it still doesn’t feel like it does when I watch FLASHPOINT. Even though they ended production after five seasons and I’m relegated to reruns and DVDs.
FPTO Farewell [courtesy Angelo Barovier]
It still feels like community.
Maybe I’m overly lucky. I was in the right place at the right time and cyber-met some amazing people. The people who cheer me on, share my chocolate, talk about toast, and continue to inspire and support me in so very many ways. And let me do the same for them. The people who have become My People.
When I watch FLASHPOINT, I feel connected to family. Can a TV show do all that?
Of course not.
But a community can.
FLASHPOINT is the only show I have never missed an episode of. It’s the first mainstream show I’ve known to have a truly interactive online community (thank you, Facebook and twitter!). My list of friends expanded exponentially when I opened myself to FPTO.
I get traffic on the Blog every single day for search queries for “FLASHPOINT” and its various characters. How amazing is that? This award-winning show with its ueber-intense storylines and intricate personalities. I always get caught up in the show for the first five to ten minutes before the title theme starts. The commercial breaks served to let me catch my breath. Now that I’m watching the show via Netflix and DVD, I get no breaks. It’s 44 minutes of pure adrenaline and breath-holding. So I guess it’s a good thing I only watch one or two episodes as I’m heading to REM slumber.
Of course it’s more than a show. When I’m on Facebook or twitter, I check in on My People. We’ve formed real relationships. We’ve met. We’ve socialized. We’ve encouraged and supported and cheered and been there for each other in a variety of situations. These people are My People.
And that’s why I still love this show. Because the show may have ended. But the community hasn’t.
I hope that someday I’ll write a script as worthy of the same kind of kudos that FLASHPOINT has received in the industry and from its fans. I have a glimmer of a goal to be the kind of writer and producer who continues to appreciate the community built around my Blog and other writings. To introduce people to each other in a way that is special and bonding. Not a casual “hey it’s been fun” moment that ends when the series ends. But real, ongoing, honest “how are you” friendships. And I strive to open up to strangers and expand my horizons with stories full of such friendships and adventures and character.
Because of the generous, supportive, encouraging people I’ve met through FLASHPOINT, I am reminded each day that I can do anything. It starts with an idea that spreads to a goal that leads to a step that builds a foundation.
When I give a shout out to FLASHPOINT, I’m really saying “thank you” to Jaye and Kate and Mary and Angelo and Sharon and Victoria and Joy and Beth and Laura and Nanette and so many others who continue to add spice and seasonings to This Girl’s life. And hoping in some small way I’m already returning the favor.
Yes. A TV show can do all that.
When I say, “FLASHPOINT inspires me,” I’m saying I get it. And whatever your community, I wish you the same. From the inside out.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Follow Flashpoint Team One on Facebook and twitter.
You may also enjoy reading:
Hello/Goodbye: How Flashpoint Keeps Hitting the Mark
Do You Know FPTO?
KEEP THE PEACE, Part I
Jan 16, 2013 |
It happened. I didn’t want it to. Many of us saw the writing on the Wall. We knew this day would come. And yet, we’re still unprepared.
My beloved TV Show, FLASHPOINT, has begun to end.
Tonight was Part I of the two-part series finale. Yes. That’s right. Series finale. It won’t be back after next week.
[Courtesy Angelo Barovier/FLASHPOINT Team One, Used By Permission]
I’m in shambles. The show, as always, leaves me with a “what-the-heck-just-happened-I-need-to-learn-to-breathe-again” experience. It literally takes my breath away, and I’m consciously surprised during commercials when I find myself exhaling.
It’s impossible for me to write about FLASHPOINT without making it personal. I had absolutely nothing to do with the show. I wasn’t even one of the Lucky Ones to visit the set, cast and crew in Toronto. I’m okay with that (not really, but, you know, what can ya do…) Even so, this is a deeply personal experience for me.
As melodramatic as it reads, this show has, in some ways, changed my life. “But it’s just a TV show!” you say. “Get a life!” you tell me.
Let me tell you… in the five seasons that FLASHPOINT has been on the air:
*I became a licensed insurance agent.
*I went through two periods of unemployment. The last one lasting nearly 18 months.
*I bought a house.
*I was in a car accident.
*I reconnected with childhood friends via Facebook.
*I published my Cookbook.
*I learned to trust people I’ve never met.
*I found courage. Courage to reach for goals. Courage to think about change instead of comfort. Courage to let strangers in and let go of being intimidated.
And because of FLASHPOINT, I have many new friends. I’ve met people I otherwise would not have the privilege to know. People who have influenced me, tolerated me, cheered me on, and lifted me up.
FLASHPOINT opened up my world to possibilities. The highly interactive Facebook Page has been instrumental in making me feel connected to a world I otherwise didn’t know: the fan-based community that introduced me to others who understand: this is so much more than “just” a TV show. The producers that personally chat with me. Me. Like I’m a Somebody. Holy Reality, Batman… did Sharon just message me? Really?! Really!
When I needed a break from the Outside World, I could escape by watching FLASHPOINT on TV, on the DVR or one of the DVD sets. I always knew Team One would KEEP THE PEACE and make it better.
For my long-time readers, you’ll remember nearly three years ago when I began to really get involved with the FTPO Community online. Facebook. Twitter. I was so easily intimidated. I fluctuated between opening up and protecting my privacy. I soon realized the Community I was diving into was one of honest friendship. And it’s based on so much more than a show.
This group has supported my writing. Seen me through tragedies and celebrations. Encouraged me, and even called me on the carpet when I needed it.
I count my FPTO peeps as some of the most reliable people I know. And I’m thrilled to know that even though the show is ending, the Community is not.
So yes. When I talk about FLASHPOINT, it’s personal. And when it ends, I take it personally.
Dear FPTO,
You’ll never really know how you’ve inspired me and, cheesily, changed my life.
I wouldn’t trade it for all the chocolate in the world.
Sincerely,
Me
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
You may also enjoy reading:
Hello/Goodbye: How Flashpoint Keeps Hitting the Mark
Do You Know FPTO?
The Long Goodbye: Flashpoint to End After Season Five
The Long Goodbye: What FLASHPOINT Means to Me
#FlashpointFinalDays
May 2, 2012 |
Last night I posted The Long Goodbye: Flashpoint to End After Season Five. I spent the majority of the evening online via Facebook and twitter. I spent the majority of the day coming to terms with the news.
To those who say, “It’s just a television show,” I say this: You’ve obviously never really watched it. Not really. Because if you had, if you had joined us on Facebook or twitter, you would know.
It’s not just a show. It’s not just an online community. It’s a family.
It’s a part of my family. And I’m a part of them.
FLASHPOINT has been so much to me. I’ve never missed an episode. Never. Through the FLASHPOINT Team One Facebook community, I’ve found more of myself than I knew I had. I’ve made friends who have encouraged me to break out of my shell and get over my fear of the unknown.
If you search “Flashpoint” on my blog, there’s a plethora of posts ranging from casual mentions to in-depth articles.
The FPTO community has supported me as I pursue my dreams of writing, commenting on my blog and sharing my posts when it caught their attentions.
I’ll not forget Angelo’s comments last summer when I said I had to write. A few well-meaning commentators suggested I look for a “real” job. Angelo wrote,
“You don’t write because you want recognition. You don’t write because it seems like fun. You don’t write because you want to.
You write because you have to.
If that’s what Molly Jo feels then that’s what Molly Jo should do. In fact, based on her comments, I doubt she could prevent herself.“
Little did he know I’d save this comment and it would (and still does!) continue to inspire me during moments of self-doubt.
I have an autographed poster that now means more than ever. An SRU ornament from Kate. An abundance of saved comments and emails and tweets from so many.
FLASHPOINT is more than a show that takes my breath away. It’s been the promise of success. As a fan, a word from a producer or writer is amazing. As a writer, it’s currency.
Best. Email. Evvver.
Mary, affectionately known as Sarge, has always been my Go-To Gal for, well, just about anything. She really knows how to Keep The Peace when it’s needed (which, thankfully, isn’t that often!).
I want to be a writer. And FLASHPOINT has been with me through my attempts and trials. The show has inspired me. The community has supported me. I know they’re separate issues, but somehow, it doesn’t seem like it. It seems like, as long as there’s FLASHPOINT in the world, everything’s okay.
How many of us at FPTO have had actual dreams of Team One rescuing us from bank robbers or traffic accidents? How many of us have secret code words with each other because of ridiculously silly conversations? How will Kate and I ever think of TOAST the same way again? [Yes, that’s a code word, no I won’t share the meaning, but no, it’s nothing bad. Just inspirational. And yummy.]
I really thought if I tried hard enough, if I proved myself with my writing, I could draft a Spec Script for FLASHPOINT producers to look at, maybe even end up writing an episode or two for them.
I’ve talked about moving to Toronto and I’ve been serious about it! If you don’t know me too well, you don’t know how big a deal that is: I don’t like change! To think of moving to another country just to be a writer for a TV show… well, if they’d had me, I would have. No questions asked.
I get that the community will still be there. I’ll still buy jewelry from Kate’s online store. I’ll still tweet with Angelo, Kelley, and everyone else. I’ll follow the producers and writers however I can online. I’ll watch whatever shows the actors do next.
But it won’t be the same. We won’t all be together again like this, not ever.
And that makes me sad. And it makes me cry.
So you know what? If that makes me silly in your eyes, I don’t care. Because it’s late. Because I’m tired. And because I’ve been dealing with this family break-up for quite a few hours now.
And FPTO’s usually the Team that makes it all better. For all of us. But now Mom and Dad are retiring and moving elsewhere. And us kids gotta grow up and fend for ourselves.
That’s just a little scary.
But we can do it. Because even from a distance… we’re still family.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
[FPTO photo courtesy of Angelo at FPTO on Facebook.]
For other posts on FLASHPOINT, read
Hello/Goodbye: How Flashpoint Keeps Hitting the Mark [August 5, 2011]
Do You Know FPTO? [November 6, 2011]
The Long Goodbye: Flashpoint to End After Season Five [May 1, 2012]
Nov 6, 2011 |
You’re either screaming out loud, “Ohmagosh, YES!!” or scratching your head in wonder.
FPTO (say it with me: “Fip-Toe”) is the Emerald City for those of us who know good great television.
My date with Bocelli.
Flashpoint is to TV what The Godfather is to movies. What Frank Sinatra and Andrea Bocelli are to music. What tiramisu is to dessert…
In other words, it’s not “just” a show.
Flashpoint is, of course, the greatest cop drama around. And I’m not just saying that. Yes, I’m addicted to the show. But that’s not the point. The point is, why?
Why?
Well, I’m so glad you asked…
There are some good, I mean really good cop shows on TV right now. I still never miss an episode of CBS’s NCIS or Blue Bloods. But Flashpoint takes the cake. It’s not just good writing. It’s astounding writing. It’s not just sets and designs. It’s sights and real streets and locations. The script is always dynamic, yet always plausible. And the actors are amazing performers.
And when I say “performers”, I don’t mean celebrity. These guys aren’t in it for the glory. That’s just a wonderful by-product. They don’t just read a script. They don’t just act. You can see what I mean by catching Amy Jo Johnson (“Jules”) and Michael Cram (“Wordy”) in performance tonight in Toronto.
And that’s not the only public sighting. If you’re lucky enough to live in or around Toronto, you may also be lucky enough to cross paths with the Team when they’re out and about filming an episode.
Time after time, interview articles and fan-spotting have relegated us with words and phrases like “super friendly!”, “nice”, “attentive”, “feels like family”.
Sure, you’re thinking. The press is going to spin everything with rose-colored glasses just to get viewers. It can’t all be that great.
Oh, no? Enter FPTO. FPTO is the little acronym more commonly known as Flashpoint Team One: the official producer’s page on Facebook. And not just official. Authentic. Friendly. Nice. Attentive. And yes, it feels like family. With almost 7,000 “likes” (read: official facebook fans), it’s a community like no other. Fans come and post any and everything. But the best part? FPTO responds. FPTO knows that without their fans, the show is nothing. And they acknowledge us with interactions, shout-outs, and even the occasional gift. (Check out this awesome swag they sent me: an autographed poster!)
FPTO is the place to discuss who held their breath the longest during the most recent heart-pounding episode. How long until each episode premieres? (Here’s something: Canada doesn’t have it’s own timezone. Just in case you were a little flakey at times, and thought they did, like me).
Of course, I’m a broken record with some of this. You’ve heard me say it before. But the FPTO community is also family for the fans. It’s where we relate, and not just about the page.
The page, like the show, is just the catalyst: uniting people with a common base. The producers know not only how to put together a great script and great actors. They know not only how to create a great show.
They know how to create a great community. It’s where we see whose kids dressed up for Halloween. How Kate fared after a week of no electricity following the Nor’Easter. How every day life is among us who have this love for the show.
Wanna join in? C’mon, then! Show them some “like”. Join them over at Facebook. Flashpoint Team One.
They Have the Solution.
*I am by no means an official spokesperson for Flashpoint or FPTO. I just happen to really love the show and the facebook community. I have not been paid or rewarded in any way for my blogging efforts. The poster above was presented as part of their “Random Acts of Kindness Week” in early August, 2011 and was in no way construed as payment or exchange other than I am an active fan on their facebook page. Any fan has the same chance of being rewarded for their support. All opinions on this blog are my own.*
