On February 13, 2004 - A surprise announcement by the WB network was made when the network stated it was canceling the television show ANGEL at the end of its current season. The fans, cast and crew were stunned.
Joss Whedon, series creator of ANGEL, announced, “We had no idea this was coming... I don’t think the WB is doing the right thing... my heart is breaking.” “We really were starting to feel like we were on top; hitting our stride. You wanna know how I feel? Watch the first act of The Body”, an episode from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Season 5. He goes on to thank everyone for their support, their community and their “perfectly sane devotion.”
Millions of shocked fans across the world are uniting in an effort to save their favorite show. Fan efforts including moving billboards, industry trade ads, food and blood drives have begun to raise awareness about the fight to save ANGEL. As one fan on Ain't It Cool News stated, “It’s particularly vexing, of course, because the current season of ANGEL is rapidly developing into its best ever.” Fans everywhere have been left confused by the announcement by the WB Network.
Through all of this, one fan started something that has now captured the attention of many. One woman has fought on her own, in the most improbable situation, as she set out to unify the fans of ANGEL. All she asked, was for them to sign an online petition that she had started to try to save the show. Even though her cause was for the good of her fellow fans, she has had little help with her quest. In fact - up until now, she has done it on her own.
Regardless of help, 31 year old Cari Kinz of Rio Rico, Arizona has somehow managed to get over 85,000 people to sign her petition - in only a matter of about 3 weeks. “Fans didn’t want the show to be cancelled, but it seemed that they didn’t really know what to do about it... I felt like I needed to do something”, Cari says of what caused her to even start this petition. Not only did she start it and manage to get nearly 100,000 people to sign it so far, she’s even invested over $2,000 of her own money in this process as well. “Well, there really wasn’t any other choice. A petition isn’t any good unless people sign it, and the least I could do was to make sure that it got printed and delivered to the right people.”
One woman with a dream. A goal to try to save her favorite television show. That woman is now supported by a small group of fans that are equally compelled in their efforts to save ANGEL. “I think it’s amazing that she’s gotten over 85,000 signatures through virtually no promotion”, says 28 year old Jennifer Calabro of Holiday, Florida. Jennifer feels that there are millions of fans that are unaware of the petition and saw this as an opportunity to help Cari’s efforts. “She’s done wonderful on her own, but with help, this petition could reach a million or more signatures."
Deana Travetti, 34 of King of Prussia, PA, is hoping the WB will realize just how many people watch ANGEL. “Cari’s petition is a quantifiable example of the fan base that can carry our message to the WB. If one person working independently can accomplish obtaining 85,000 signatures in a few weeks, think of what she can do with the support of others helping to increase the awareness of the petition!”
For many people, ANGEL is the only show on WB they actually watch, and “If ANGEL is no longer on the WB, I have no reason, whatsoever, to watch the WB Network at all” says Tiffany Williams, age 26 of Denver, CO. While the WB has cited ratings as one reason for ANGEL’s cancellation, Tiffany and millions of fans like her, feels the show is stronger this season than in previous ones, which creates a firm footing to launch season six. “I know for a fact that Nielsen does not poll a diverse enough amount of the audience to really get the correct viewing numbers for a show such as ANGEL.”
After weeks of fighting primarily on her own, Cari Kinz finally has help from a group of fans that are equally desperate to save the show. Together, they formed “Team Angel” in an effort to expand on what Cari has accomplished, and they are hoping to achieve what some call impossible. Through a website that was built for Cari and "Team Angel", they hope to attract a new audience to the existence of the petition, and hopefully gain many new signatures for it as well.
Cari’s petition is gaining attention and momentum, with over 85,000 signatures and thousands more signing it daily, Cari is confident that the petition will force the WB to recognize the power of ANGEL viewers, and the ratings the network stands to lose by canceling ANGEL and losing millions of viewers that aren’t accurately represented by Nielsen.
How can you help Cari and “Team Angel”? With only about 30 seconds of your time. A link to the petition can be found at the “Team Angel” website at www.angel.damic.com. Cari and her team are raising a call to action for ANGEL fans across the country to be champions on their own and sign the petition to save ANGEL. “I want a season six for ANGEL. The abruptness of the cancellation is quite frankly puzzling and obviously upsetting. It deserves to have another season... if not on the WB, then with another network.”
Help Cari. Sign the petition. Save the show.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Team Angel
Cari Kinz
Coordinator, Save Angel Petition
ckinz@eathlink.net |
