Frakes Talks 'Roswell's' Survival

UPN's Roswell has faltered in the ratings this season, but co-executive producer Jonathan Frakes (William Riker) says the series's timeslot has been very competitive.

"I think we've suffered for being in what the L.A. Times calls the most competitive hour on television," Frakes told Cinescape's Scott Collura. "9 o'clock on Tuesdays is wicked and because we were partnered with Buffy it wasn't realistic to move Roswell to another slot. So I'll be curious to see how we survive."

The series has had an uncertain existence, constantly under the threat of cancellation and jumping from network to network. "The show from the beginning when the pilot was made has managed to have a very interesting life," Frakes said, "because it was made for Fox and at the last minute it was sold to the WB where it ran for two years and then after the WB lost Buffy, UPN decided to buy Roswell as well. So it's really been on three networks."

Despite all the problems, Frakes has remained fond of Roswell. "I like going over there. I like those kids. I think they're all really talented and I like to keep my hand in it."

UPN has not yet committed to a full season for the alien drama, now in its third year. According to recent reports, the network may cut this season's order down to 19 episodes (story). "We're getting very close to making a decision," UPN chief executive officer Dean Valentine said recently. "My best guess is that this is a show that deserves a little more time to find itself."

The original interview can be found here at Cinescape.

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