Jennifer Shaklan on "Taking the Lead"

Air Date: 6/12/2008

Well, Elmoians, not only was this my first script for “Men in Trees” -- it was the first script I was ever hired to write! It was a very exciting time for me, but also a crazy time all over town as the writers strike was about to happen. How did this affect things? Well, I had to write like there was no tomorrow in order to make the strike deadline, and at the same time, continue doing my regular job as the script coordinator on the show, which meant proofreading everyone else’s scripts, making sure they were delivered to all the right people, etc. And, since this episode shot in January, well into the strike, I wasn’t able to fly up to Vancouver for the filming (I was out picketing with all the other writers in town – a crazy experience in and of itself!), so I can’t give you any inside, behind-thescenes scoop. I can, however, tell you what it’s about, although being that this is the series finale, I’m not going to reveal much – better to let you soak up your last visit to Elmo as it happens.

What I will say is that in general, this story is about the balance of power in relationships, the role each person takes on – or finds themselves in, and what “taking the lead” in a relationship can mean, for better and worse. And all this is set against the backdrop of... an Elmo talent show! Yes, that’s right – performances by Elmo’s finest, including Buzz and Mai doing a little singing (in fabulous costumes, I might add – thank you, costumers!), Dick and Celia doing some magic (with Celia as feisty as ever), and Marin, Sara and Theresa putting a new spin on a Marilyn Monroe classic. Of course, there are surprises, too, on stage and off, but you’ll just have to tune in to see what they are. And although Jane and Sam aren’t in town for the theatrics – they’re driving cross-country from New York to Elmo throughout – they have a bit of a show(down) of their own, something that helps them make sense (or in this case, cents) of their relationship.

I’m sad that this is the series finale – it’s been so much fun the past two years spending workdays in the charming world of Elmo, which was full of such an endearing cast of characters (and a lovely bunch of actors playing them) – but Elmo, its inhabitants and all the journeys and self-discovery that Marin and everyone else there experienced will always have a place in my heart, and hopefully yours, too. Thanks for tuning in all this time and, hey, long live the “Trees”!

Comments

[SpiritDancing]

It's quite disheartening to think of losing touch with the citizens of Elmo. I've grown to love them and look forward each week to watching their latest journeys. MIT was a rare thing on network television, a well-scripted show that was built on characters quirky enough to be interesting yet still believable. Not a stereotype in the bunch. The stories were often thought provoking and insightful into human relationships, yet never did MIT take itself too seriously. We had fun watching these folks stumble though awkward moments and triumph over adversity. I'll always wonder if Jane and her hunky Alaska beau make it to every Potatoville before settling again in Elmo. Thanks to the gang at the Chieftain. I'd buy everyone a round if I could. And I sure hope Patrick has the courage to let go of Annie and take off on his balloon chair once again in search of true love. May all the beloved characters find their bliss and remain forever in our hearts.

[Amanda]

Why would this show be canceled? I'm tired of all the good shows ending after two years and leaving us hanging. Why even watch anymore?

[Annie T.]

I don't understand why Men in Trees is not coming back on the air. It was my second favorite show. There are way too many reality shows and not enough story or character based series. This series was cute, touching, well written and the characters were funny and interesting at the same time.ABC should rethink canceling it.

[Angie Pacheco]

I can't believe it is over. I loved this show!!! I am very sorry to see it gone. I hope things change and it comes back on.
Angie Pacheco
Orland, CA

[Tiffany in LA]

i turned on the tv tonight... expecting my last episode of MIT... apparently when i cried last week thinking it was the second to the last episode, i was crying over the last episode. i'm grateful i didn't know it was the last, because i had already cried so much thinking i had one more. we need another ending, a real ending. we need results and conclusions. we need cash to pay us a visit. we need anne to take back patrick, since he came back for her. we need so much to happen. we need mit.

[Beverly]

You have to come back what will I do without my favorite Program? I love it!

[Julie]

What ABC could have been thinking to have cancelled Trees is beyond me. How many charming, sweet shows there are on television today? But then again, I may have just answered my own question. They are far more interested in game shows and reality television which are cheaper to produce and take far less intelligence on the part of the network and the viewing audience. Thank you on behalf of the viewers for allowing us to be a part of Elmo. I wish we could have had a few moreepisodes to tie up a few more loose ends but I suppose that's life. I came away this whole season feeling as if the Writer's Strike had cheated me and now I know it cheated me of a better ending with my friends at the Chieftain as well. Farewell, Elmo. I'll miss you.

[Lorraine]

Of all the shows on the air the past many seasons, this was one of the best. It's truly a shame to have lost one of the non-reality shows that actually had a human side that touched the heart every week. Besides American Idol and Sex in the City it was the only other show I have always made a point of tuning in to. I only hope the powers that be come to their senses and add this back to the roster! It was a pleasure and will be missed by those who enjoy good writing and heartfelt messages.

[Jeannette Huelseman]

I am not surprised that Men In Trees is being axed. It is the closest show to family friendly that can be found. I hate reality shows and the murder shows have me considering a TV ban. I used to like Grey's Anatomy until it turned into a night time soap. I suppose I will not need to get a converter for digital TV since Men In Trees is the only program I watch on a regular basis. I am very sorry to see it go.

[Missmymit]

I will miss you all.

LONG LIVE ELMO!!!!

*sigh*

[grammy bird]

this is the only show i look forward to watching on tv. the writing is superb, the acting ensemble is flawless and all of the characters well defined and believable. the location is wonderful and the story is a classic. there is no violence or horror and i have loved every episode. the town and it'[s way of life is truly the best thing i've experienced in a long time. i am devastated that after two weeks of thinking it just got rescheduled to find it was cancelled. ABC must have lost their mind. maybe they just are pulling it to see your loyal fan base reaction. kind of a test to see how much we love it. this is the first time i've ever written to a network and it's probably not even going to be seen, but i'll keep trying. i don't want to lose Elmo or anyone there. they have become my extended family, We truly need something to believe in during these trying times of chaos and bad taste in the media. Elmo makes sense. I can relate to the human good and all their struggles to overcome the problems we all face as a community. Men in Trees is the best show on the air. All my friends think so too. Thank you for at least trying to stand up and do something good. We love you. Big hug from
robin on the hurricane gulf coast isle of matlacha in florida

[Beth]

So, here I was for two days searching for the next episode of Men in Trees on my computer after seeing the June 12th episode. There were so many questions I wanted answered...so many story lines left to pursue, when much to my chagrin, I read it was the series finale. ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? Who's bright idea was this? I am in my fifties, and I could certainly relate to the characters in this show. I found them to be sexy, endearing, lovable, and REAL! Men in Trees was a great way for me to unwind after being caught up in the rat race. I found it as enjoyable as Sex in the City, and I was a die-hard fan. I know everything has to reflect the bottom line for corporate America, but it's always at the cost of loyal viewers like myself. I am sick and tired of police dramas, killings, and sensationalist tv, not to mention reality series. WTH don't we deserve to be happy too? Keep it on at 10PM, let FOX or the WB pick it up, or some other network who is not afraid to entertain without blood and guts. I am most disappointed, and I truly hope this is just a guise, and that Marin and the gang will come back into our homes this fall. Kick the Housewives off the air, as much as I enjoy that, I feel it has outlived its welcome. Bring us back to Elmo!!!

[Wing]

Saddened to learn of MiT's cancellation. MiT was truly a genuinely unique program, quirky but endearing, unlike the trite reality programs found all too often on today's television, or the seemingly endless and similar murder mystery/CSI programs, or those a little too racy showcasing money, sex and infidelity as their major themes. You've canceled a show with adorable, affable characters; a show that kept many waiting for the next weeks program. You've disappointed many ABC, as I'm certain MiT had a fairly sizable following, and the audience size could have grown should a static day and time slot been chosen. Ugh.

[Selkie]

I can't believe what I read about cancelling the show :-((((((((((((((
Please keep on going... We love you here in Spain!!

[Colorado Mtn. Gal]

Please give us back our Men In Trees. It was the only thing that was truly creative on ABC. The network has gone to pot.

[Kellie from Cali]

To the writers- Can you please find another network to pick you up!!!!!!

This show is too special to be gone forever.

Great last episode. Thanks!

My husband and I really enjoyed the show and are sorry to hear that it has ended. If it hadn't been moved around and preempted so many times, perhaps, it would have had a greater following. The strike didn't help either! Good luck to all and maybe "Elmo" will rise again!

[c boye]

I am so sad to see my favorite show go. I had no idea this was even happening. I hope that enough fans will voice their sadness and help Elmo will return to our lives. I love this show and all the awesome characters!!!!

[Caoilainn]

I thought I saw a preview somewhere of a baby being left on Marin's porch... Did I miss an episode??

[Susan]

Please tell me you are kidding!! Is MIT not coming back next season? This is such a great show. The cast and scenery make it a true entertaining escape for an hour. ABC please DO NOT cancel this great show, there is too much lousy TV and this little gem of a show is so good.I would truly miss it.

[Bette]

What do you mean this was the series finale? We love this show - why is it gone without a word to all your faithful viewers?
Please bring it back ! ! !

[BCIsland Girl]

Farewell Elmo!!!! Thank-you writers for giving us a great television experience in Men In Trees. This show will be incredibly missed!

[Sorry to see this show...]

...go. This was a great show. It was so light hearted, with a great cast and always a good storyline. I will miss it.
I honestly believe that this show could have survived if ABC had not yanked it from one time slot to another. It is certainly better entertainment that "The Women's Murder Club", which I swore off after only 2 episodes.
I think ABC did this once before in the '90's with "The Marshal" starring Jeff Fahey. It too was a fantastic show that just kept getting passed around from one time slot to another, only to be shelved in its second season.
To the cast and crew of "Men in Trees" I would to say thank you, and you will missed.
Laura

[dgfink]

Hey!!

I'm so disappointed to learn that this is it for Elmo!! Why?! Such an upbeat and enjoyable crew of characters... can I write to my senator or something?

dgf

[Sandie]

I am so sad this series is ending. The characters and town were so unique and blended into such an interesting story each week. It made me want to live in Elmo.