It’s been more than 3 years since I’ve started blogging about the MacGyver Reboot on this blog. Most people land here via Twitter or Tumblr, but some also by using search engines. The top 3 list of search terms is still pretty boring:
dashboardonfire
dashboard on fire
dashboard on fire wordpress
macgyver spoilers
dashboard on fire macgyver
Some search engines don’t reveal search terms anymore for privacy reasons. Google, for example, has been encrypting the vast majority of search terms since 2013. So WordPress often can’t specify which search terms were used by visitors who arrived at this site from a search engine. That’s why the majority on my list – over 8000 by now – are unknown search terms.
Excerpt of the search engine statistics (retrieved July 26, 2020)
It’s been a while since my last blog post about search terms. If you missed Part 1 (about cast, characters and locations search terms), you can find it here. If you missed Part 2 (regarding Isabel Lucas’ character of Olivia/Samantha Cage), you can find it there. For Part 3 (about cast and characters), you can go here.
There’s some more search terms I want to address in blog posts and maybe help the unknown searching beings to get answers for their questions. In this post, I’m going to look at some of the most used search terms since December 2018. At the moment, most of you are still looking for “missing” cast members.
(Minor Spoiler Alert: You will get spoilered about main characters and storylines by reading this post and its comments or by clicking on the links provided!)
what happened to leanna on macgyver
To recap: Reign Edwards plays Bozer’s girlfriend Leanna Martin. She joined back in S2 for a handful of episodes, leading to speculations that she would join Season 3 as a regular field agent; sort of a replacement for Isabel Lucas’ character Samantha Cage. She was listed as a recurring for the first three episodes of S3 – then she disappeared apart from a few mentions until she popped up again in Episode 3×09.
Episode 3×03: Bozer + Booze + Back to School (Official Still via SpoilerTV)
ICYMI: During her absence, Reign was filming a pilot project called “The Wilds” for Amazon Studios in New Zealand. She came back to set after she was done; getting appearances in a few more episodes (3×10, 3×11, 3×15 and 3×17). Despite her pilot getting picked up, it took a while for her to get back and film the series. So in theory, she could have filmed more episodes for MacGyver, but that didn’t happen.
Leanna was highlighted in Episode 3×01 as the field agent that can do everything (e.g. flying a helicopter) and has excellent fighting skills, similar to Samantha Cage (and later Levy Tran’s character of Desi). But besides Episode 3×09 (that depicted her as being a bit of a neat freak, at least when it comes to refrigerators) and 3×11 (that had her being insecure about moving in with Bozer), there wasn’t much character development for her.
Screenshot of a Deleted Scene for Episode 3×11: Mac + Fallout + Jack
In an earlier blog post two years ago, I had assumed that Leanna and Bozer would break up or that Leanna would be assigned to another longterm mission if Reign’s series was picked up. That did in fact happen, but it wasn’t all too clear. In Episode 4×01, it was only mentioned in passing that Bozer had lost Leanna to a mission.
If you’re one of the lucky people having access to an international Season 3 DVD release, you get to watch a Deleted Scene of Episode 3×11 in which Bozer preps the apartment he had planned to move in with Leanna; waiting for her arrival to enjoy some cozy time together. Instead, it’s Matty arriving, handing Bozer a phone and advising him to make a “last” phone call with Leanna because she was just appointed to continue the undercover mission that Matty’s ex-husband Ethan had been assigned to; taking his place in the S-Company.
Screenshot of a Deleted Scene for Episode 3×11: Mac + Fallout + Jack
It’s possible they cut this scene because they realized that Reign is able to do more episodes. In the end, she didn’t have much to do in Episodes 3×15 or 3×17, though – probably because they needed the added screentime for Desi who happens to have the exact same skills as Leanna. Whatever the reason, writing a recurring character out off-screen without much explanation so they don’t have to deal with the fall-out or heartbreak for Bozer was rather cheap.
Similar search terms:
what happened to bozer’s girlfriend on macgyver
did reign edwards leave macgyver
why did reign edwards leave macgyver
where can i buy upcoming episode scripts
Well, I really don’t know about this stuff. Maybe if you bribed one of the writers? *ahem*
Script Title Page of Episode 4×16: Jack + Kinematics + MgKNO3 + GTO (via Anabelle Acosta)
I don’t even know how to get episode scripts of episodes that have already been aired. Apart from pilot scripts, episode scripts don’t seem to circulate online (although some can be bought via Ebay and similar platforms). If you’re looking for the MacGyver Reboot Pilot script, just try Google again. You won’t need to pay any money for it.
Similar search terms:
macgyver unaired pilot script free online
mcgayver movie script
macgyver 2016 script
macgyver reboot script
new macgyver scripts
BtS picture of the Teaser Promo (via Lucas Till)
lucas till paperclip
Not sure what to make of this one. Lucas Till aka MacGyver sure likes his paperclips, though. I hope we’ll get to see some more outtakes of the Teaser Promo Trailers or more info on the paperclip art one day.
india batson
India Batson was one of the guest stars that appeared in a Deleted Scene of the Pilot Episode, aptly named “Baywatch with Tanks”. Her character was named Tiffany. You can read more about that scene in this blog post.
BtS picture on set of Episode 1×01: The Rising (via India Batson)
was mcguiver filmed in Chernobyl
I’m assuming this person is referring to Episode 2×17 (Bear Trap + Mob Boss), written by Nancy Kiu. Though the episode is set in Chernobyl, the cast filmed in Atlanta and Georgia Area only. While you can get access the area under supervision, the additional drone shots and inserts were probably aquired stock footage from an archive.
As far as I know, the only time some main cast members actually travelled to another country to film scenes was for Episode 1×18 (Flashlight), the crossover episode with Hawaii Five-0. A TV show like MacGyver has a decent budget, but it’s simply not that big to do all the oversea travelling required for filming on location. To save money, many TV shows set in California are either filmed in Vancouver or in Atlanta.
Similar search terms:
where was the bear traps and mob boss macgyver episode filmed
No season without some plot twist news. For this year, it’s Showrunner Peter Lenkov being fired by CBS; effective immediately.
Roadtrip Day 12 (via Mike Milligan)
(Minor Spoiler Alert: You might get spoilered about Season 5 by reading this post and its comments or by clicking on the links provided. For daily news and to join the discussion and/or speculate away, you can find me on Twitter and head over to the MacGyverOnline Forums.)
A new Showrunner for Season 5 The MacGyverWriters have been back in the (virtual) office since June 12. One person probably hasn’t been attending any meetings since last week: (Former) Showrunner Peter Lenkov was fired by CBS; dismissed despite having a year left on his overall deal with CBS TV Studios.
The Hollywood Reporter was the first to break the news; stating that the dismissal happened after an investigation into multiple claims that Lenkov created a toxic work environment. Sources say that Lenkov had been the subject of at least three complaints alleging that he was manipulative and abusive while working on both Hawaii Five-0 and MacGyver.
As you can imagine, the extent of the allegiations plus CBS firing one of their biggest “moneymakers” made quite some noise online. A few former writers have already hinted about their past experiences, and it’s possible that former cast and crew members might come forward soon.
Roadtrip Day 13 (via Mike Milligan)
Back in May, I wrote about an Instagram post by the Rain Management Group (that was later edited). They announced that Jim Adler joined Season 5 as Co-Executive Producer while Monica Macer joined as Showrunner. They edited the post before I could take a screenshot; and I assumed they had meant Monica Macer will join as a Co-Showrunner. In a Skype interview with The Morning Show for Global News (Canada) on June 17, Lucas Till mentioned that the show just got Macer as a new showrunner. He explicitly said showrunner, which I again assumed was just a slip of the tongue (and he had meant to say Co-Showrunner).
Apparently, this has been in the works for a while now. During the investigation, CBS already set the wheels in motion to remove Peter Lenkov as quickly as possibly if needed. I always thought it was weird that Co-Showrunner Terry Matalas had so much input for Season 4, despite having a lot less experience and connections in the industry. For his overall deal, Lenkov was hired to develop new shows as well, but his latest project simply disappeared without staying in development. As you can imagine, this also sparked new speculations about the surprising cancellation of Hawaii Five-0.
New/Old BtS photo of “Son of the South” (via Joey Thurmond)
What’s going to happen now? Jim Adler already was a Co-Executive Producer on Season 4. He recently indicated in a tweet that he was fired by Lenkov. Since he wrote Episode 4×16 (Jack + Kinematics + MgKNO3 + GTO), it must have happened during the ongoing season. I don’t know if he’s currently on the team or not (e.g. if he was “re-hired” for Season 5). Both H50 and MacGyver had sort of a revolving door for writers; and it seems a lot of them didn’t leave voluntarily. Since there’s never any official announcements, it’s hard to keep track and there might be more personnel changes coming. CBS has committed to bring more diversity to the network, and Monica Macer as new showrunner will sure adhere to that.
Since the “leftover” episodes from Season 4 were still written under Lenkov, the changes probably won’t be immediately noticed – but depending on how many episodes they will be able to film this year, we might get yet another soft reboot of the show; similar to Season 4.
ICYMI: The MacGyver Writers will share a teaser for Season 5 if they reach 8000 followers on Twitter; so you’ll know what to do if you don’t follow them yet.
Official Still for “Son of the South” (via Clear Horizon Entertainment)
There are a few CBS primetime shows listed with production dates for August (e.g. Magnum PI) and September (e.g. Clarice), but MacGyver is not part of it. Considering that Covid-19 cases are still rising in Georgia area and with California entering another soft lockdown, CBS might have to decide which shows will go forward and which won’t; maybe relocating some of them or push production to next year.
Tonight, there’s a rerun of Episode 4×02 (Red Cell + Quantum + Cold + Committed). Next Friday, they’re bringing back “The Greatest At-Home Videos” in our favorite timeslot, so there’s no more reruns listed at the moment. There are many more Fridays until “Fall” Season, though – especially if none of the primetime shows can start filming anytime soon.
What are Cast and Crew up to? Lucas Till is still on a road trip across the country with his brother Nick, roommate Mike and some friends. We got some Official Stills for his movie “Son of the South” a few weeks ago, but there’s no trailer yet. The release date was set for September 16 and last year, there had been talks about the movie having its premiere in Alabama before taking part in the festival circuits. It’s possible that the release date might be pushed to next year or that they decide for a premiere on a streaming network instead.
Cadillac Ranch (via Tristin Mays)
Tristin Mays also had a family outing (for the first time in months), posting a few photos of her visiting the Cadillac Ranch.
On July 24, Henry Ian Cusick will take part in an online panel discussion for “Comic Con at Home” (since the San Diego Comic Con had to be cancelled); hosted by Entertainment Weekly under the title “Brave Warriors”. He probably can’t talk much about Season 5 or the Lenkov situation, but maybe he can talk a bit about the unaired episodes they had initially filmed for Season 4.
MacGyver in Germany
The Free-TV-Premiere of Season 4 in Germany was on channel Sat.1 this Tuesday (8.15pm). Episode 4×01 (Fire + Ashes + Legacy = Phoenix) had 1.43 million live-viewers and a market-share of 5.2%. That’s a bigger audience than for the German Season 3 Premiere and a bigger audience and market share for the demo group (14-49 years). It also did better than a new episode of Hawaii Five-0 that aired two hours later.
Backcover Art Preview for the S3 German DVD (via Amazon)
Contrary to the other seasons, they only air one episode instead of two; probably to stretch out the weeks with new episodes. The upcoming German Episode Titles:
4×02: Projekt Quirk (literal translation: Project Quirk; Red Cell + Quantum + Cold + Committed)
4×03: Steuerlos am Himmel (Rudderless in the Sky; Kid + Plane + Cable + Truck)
4×04: Wettlauf mit der Zeit (Race against Time; Windmill + Acetone + Celluloid + Firing Pin)
4×05: Der Kaufmann (The Merchant; Soccer + Desi + Merchant + Titan)
MacGyver around the World
The Season 3 DVD was released in several countries this week: Australia, New Zealand (July 15) and Germany, Austria, Switzerland (July 16). The international versions contain a Gag Reel and Deleted Scenes. Considering the Gag Reel isn’t even 2 minutes long, it’s even more outreageous they didn’t put it on the US version as well. Also, it’s completely devoid of any snippets with George Eads.
Japanese Season 3 DVD Cover (Part 2, via Anemo)
Here are the other upcoming DVD release dates:
August 26 (France)
September 2 (Japan, Part 1)
October 9 (Japan, Part 2)
Season 4 is supposed to air in the UK on July 26 (on Sky One). Let’s see if they keep the release date this time.
Production for Season 5 has officially begun with the writers office being open. Otherwise, there’s not much news.
Roadtrip Day 1 (via Mike Milligan)
(Minor Spoiler Alert: You might get spoilered about Season 5 by reading this post and its comments or by clicking on the links provided. For daily news and to join the discussion and/or speculate away, you can find me on Twitter and head over to the MacGyverOnline Forums.)
All you need to know about Season 5 ICYMI: On June 12, the MacGyverWriterstweeted that they’re back in the (virtual) office and working on new scripts. In a Skype interview with The Morning Show for Global News (Canada) on June 17, Lucas Till revealed that we will see more of Mac’s vulnerability and hopefully more character development in Season 5.
Writer Stephanie Hicks teased the fans that we might get to know the fate of the parakeet that MacGyver and Desi had adopted.
BtS photo of Season 4/5 (via MacGyverCBS)
Story Editor Teresa Huang joined a zoom interview for LockDownCon last week; talking about TV Show writing and editing with a group of 4 other writers (e.g. Nancy Kiu who had worked on MacGyver for the first three seasons). She revealed that it was a bit intimidating to come onto a show that’s already so established, despite having watched all episodes.
What’s going to happen now? CBS plans for the show to return in Fall, in its previous timeslot (Fridays, 8pm), but here’s no filming date announced yet. Due to the pandemic, all networks had to implement guidelines and safety protocols – but all the planning only helps so much in a global pandemic.
New hairstyle for Riley? (via Tristin Mays)
It initially looked like they opted for a filming start in July, but considering the daily cases rising again in most states and in Georgia as well, that doesn’t seem very likely. The first CBS primetime show listed with a production date (for August) was comedy rookie B Positive (that’s most likely filmed on stage in the Paramount lot). At the moment, it looks like shows being filmed in Vancouver and Hawaii will be the first crime shows to return to work; e.g. Magnum PI (that eyes an August start as well) or the CW shows.
Considering that Lucas Till just left for a cross-country trip of presumably 4 weeks, filming for MacGyver probably won’t start very soon. September seems a much better estimate to me at the moment.
Official Poster for “Son of the South” (via Clear Horizon Entertainment)
For once, CBS did some in-between promo; releasing an article with Lucas sharing a few of the most brilliant MacHacks. Not surprisingly, 3 of the 5 mentioned episodes are from the most recent Season 4 – but sadly not from the episodes we haven’t seen yet.
For the moment, there’s more reruns of Season 3 and Season 4 episodes to enjoy. There’s episodes pushed and swapped and cancelled every few days, so this schedule might already be faulty by tomorrow:
Friday, July 10 (8pm): Mason + Cable + Choices (3×22)
Friday, July 17 (8pm): Red Cell + Quantum + Cold + Committed (4×02)
Saturday, July 25 (8pm): Lidar + Rogues + Duty (3×16)
Sadly, they’re bringing back “The Greatest At-Home Videos” for another month, starting July 24. So once again, the pre-scheduled reruns have been dropped. Of course, there’s many more Fridays until Fall Season, so we might get more Season 4 reruns in August and September.
BtS photo of Episode 3×20: No Go + High Voltage + Rescue (via Lucas Till)
What are Cast and Crew up to? With the pandemic and the lockdowns in many US cities, cast and crew mostly stayed home in the last few months. Therefore, there’s not many sightings and news about upcoming projects. For Lucas Till, a first poster plus new Stills for his upcoming movie “Son of the South” have surfaced. IMDb lists the release date as September 16. As mentioned above, he’s just started a trip across the country with his brother Nick, roommate Mike and some friends.
Season 3 DVD Release Teaser Photo (via Amazon Germany)
Last week, Tristin Mays did a podcast interview with Brandon Thomas. She talks about the day she auditioned for MacGyver and reveals that she actually had been thinking to quit acting for good after the 3 auditions she did that day (which was also her birthday). She’s also got a completely new hairstyle. It will be interesting to see if she’ll keep it for Season 5 or not.
Justin Hires’ script for Half Baked 2 was selected to receive a tax credit allocated by the California Film Commission. According to the state tax credit, production needs to begin within the next 180 days (in Los Angeles). I’m not sure in what form Justin is involved in the production besides writing the script and what that will mean for MacGyver; especially in case they can’t start production on the movie within this time limit. Considering he just experienced the personal loss of his older brother dying a few days ago, his priorities for work projects might shift for a while.
MacGyver around the World
ICYMI: The Season 4 Premiere in the UK (on Sky) was postponed several times. Last time I checked, they tweeted it’ll start at the end of July.
Sat. 1 Season 4 Preview Screenshot
The German-speaking Premiere of Season 4 will be on Swiss Channel 3+, just a few days before airing on German channel Sat.1 as well. On June 25, Sat.1 released the first trailer; consisting of scenes taken from the first four episodes. The upcoming German Episode Titles:
4×01: Tödlicher Torpedo (literal translation: Deadly Torpedo; original title: Fire + Ashes + Legacy = Phoenix)
4×02: Projekt Quirk (Project Quirk; Red Cell + Quantum + Cold + Committed)
4×03: Steuerlos am Himmel (Rudderless in the Sky; Kid + Plane + Cable + Truck)
4×04: Wettlauf mit der Zeit (Race against Time; Windmill + Acetone + Celluloid + Firing Pin)
Like last year, German-speaking countries get the Season 3 DVD after the Season 4 Premiere – what a missed opportunity for new viewers to catch up.
Japanese Season 3 DVD Cover (Part 1, via Anemo)
Here’s the upcoming DVD release dates for Season 3:
Production for Season 5 has officially begun! The writers are back in their (virtual) office; working on the scripts.
Virtual Writers Room (via MacGyver Writers)
(Minor Spoiler Alert: You might get spoilered about Season 5 by reading this post and its comments or by clicking on the links provided. For daily news and to join the discussion and/or speculate away, you can find me on Twitter and head over to the MacGyverOnline Forums.)
About Episode and Script Numbers On June 11, the MacGyverWriters Twitter account changed their profile photo and their header. The next day, they tweeted that they’re back in the (virtual) office and working on scripts for Season 5. Pretty exciting, huh.
Because the writers had added a photo to their tweet; indicating that they’re working on Episode 501, some fans got worried that the episodes already filmed for Season 4 will be scrapped. I can’t imagine that to happen since CBS doesn’t have the luxury to dismiss ready-to-air-episodes at the moment. With the numbers of daily new cases flaring up in California and NY having been hit the hardest by the pandemic, it’s unlikely that all TV shows will be able to resume filming as planned.
According to Variety, CBS soap The Bold and the Beautifulhalted production just a day after resuming filming. At this point, CBS is lucky if they get all their crime shows to reach just 13 episodes.
Script Title Page for Episode 4×01: Fire + Ashes + Legacy = Phoenix (via Christopher Jon Duddy)
Also, note that there’s a difference between the episode number that states the order of episodes being aired on TV and the production number of the script that states the order of the episodes being filmed. Episodes are not always filmed in the same order as they’re aired; e.g. because a guest star or a location isn’t available otherwise. This can be a bit confusing.
For example, they first filmed Episode 10×07 for Season 10 of Hawaii Five-0. Filming for H50 was often out of order due to some cast members having a reduced schedule or in this case because several scenes of 10×07 were filmed on location in LA. As you can see on The Futon Critic (that lists the production number rather then the episode number), the airing order of the episodes was 1002 (as Episode 10×01), 1003 (as 10×02), 1004 (as 10×03), 1006 (as 10×04), 1005 (as 10×05), 1007 (as 10×06), 1001 (as 10×07) and so on.
Script Title Page for Episode 3×21: Treason + Heartbreak + Gum (via Sarah Downer)
It didn’t happen as often on MacGyver, but it happened three times so far (as you can also see on the photos of the script title pages):
Episode 2×03 (Roulette Wheel + Wire) has production number 202 (and vice versa) because Episode 2×03 was filmed before Episode 2×02.
Episode 3×21 (Treason + Heartbreak + Gum) has production number 322 (and vice versa) because Episode 3×21 was filmed last in Season 3.
Episode 4×02 (Red Cell + Quantum + Cold + Committed) has production number 401 (and vice versa) because they filmed Episode 4×02 as the first episode.
Therefore, we only know that they filmed 414 in January after the hiatus – but we don’t know yet if it was ever supposed to be aired as 4×14 or not. Similarly, the photo tweeted by the writers only shows the episode that will be filmed first this season, so script/production number 501. We don’t know yet if this will be a newly written episode or a script that was initially written as 420 or 421 last season. Due to the guidelines and safety protocols for the pandemic (see further down), they probably had to rewrite both scripts.
Script Title Page for Episode 2×02: Muscle Car + Paper Clips (via Tristin Mays)
All you need to know about Season 5 Here’s what we know so far about the upcoming season (or rather, what we don’t know yet):
CBS plans for the show to return in Fall, in the previous timeslot (Fridays, 8pm).
There is no further information yet about the number of episodes being ordered.
There’s no new key art nor a new production SAK logo yet.
It’s always been very quiet in June regarding production, but it feels worse this year with no additional events. We did get a BtS video of a deleted scene filmed for Episode 4×08 (Father + Son + Father + Matriarch), though.
Skype interview with The Morning Show (Screenshot via Global News)
In a Skype interview with The Morning Show for Global News (Canada) on June 17, Lucas Till confirmed that Monica Macer joined the show as showrunner. He revealed that he was surprised when reading the script for the Season 4 Finale and that we will see more of Mac’s vulnerability and hopefully more character development in Season 5.
How the pandemic could affect Season 5
ICYMI: Hollywood submitted a COVID-19 Reopening Plan from studios, unions and producers to the NY and CA governors; with CBS Studios being a participant. They’re very similar to the Georgia safety measures and might lead to changes not only in production, but also in storylines, guest stars, settings and locations. (Note that the guidelines might change again now that California just implemented a mandatory mask rule.)
A new/old Lucas sighting in May (via Dana Till)
For example, the various guidelines implemented so far recommend to…
implement periodic and regular temperature checks and testing
enforce physical distancing between cast (e.g. filming scenes with more distance between the actors; actors staying in their trailers until they’re actually needed on set)
enforce physical distancing between crew (e.g. with implementing virtual writers rooms and virtual casting sessions)
limit hair and makeup services for actors
scrap open buffets for meals and coffee breaks
reduce the number of fighting scenes and/or intimate scenes
reduce the number of Extras
reduce the number of scenes being filmed in public locations
wear masks if cast and/or crew can’t keep their distance
eliminate sharing of crew equipment
Sadly, the pandemic might also reduce the numbers of episodes ordered for TV shows in general – not just because of delayed filming for some shows, but mainly because the safety measures and guidelines will not just increase the cost of production and post-production, but might also slow it down.
Episode 3×17: Seeds + Permafrost + Feather (Official Still via SpoilerTV)
It’s possible they’ll build new indoor sets (e.g. offices for Matty or Russ) so they can film in smaller groups or do stand-alone-scenes (e.g. Matty advising over the phone instead of with the entire team in the War Room).
Regarding storylines, we can assume that Season 5 will have less action scenes and less intimate scenes. If they introduced any new love interests at the end of Season 4, they might simply disappear (but it’s not like we haven’t experienced this before). They might also return to episodes with parallel missions; introducing B and C storylines to ensure smaller mission teams. That’s a pity in my opinion, but I guess reduced and limited work for cast and crew with lesser episodes is better than no work and no episodes at all.
What’s going to happen now? CBS installed guidelines and safety protocols for the TV shows getting ready to film. Yet, all the planning only helps so much in a global pandemic – see the case of The Bold and the Beautiful above. For now, it’s still a waiting game with CBS findind out via trial and error what works and what doesn’t. Since they’re following the usual timeline as they have in previous seasons, they still seem to opt for a filming start in July.
Episode 3×19: Friends + Enemies + Border (via Noor Anna Maher)
There’s still reruns of Season 3 episodes scheduled for most Fridays; with occasional reruns on Saturdays. Here’s the current schedule:
Friday, June 19 (9pm): No Go + High Voltage + Rescue (3×20)
Saturday, June 27 (8pm): Treason + Heartbreak + Gum (3×21)
Friday, July 3 (8pm): Mason + Cable + Choices (3×22)
Friday, July 10 (8pm): tba
Friday, July 17 (8pm): tba
Friday, July 24 (8pm): tba
Saturday, July 25 (8pm): tba
Friday, July 31 (8pm): tba
It’s safe to assume that they will also schedule reruns of Season 4; just in time to end with the Season 4 Finale before Season 5 is supposed to start.
Other MacGyver News
The title sequence for Season 4 was nominated for the AICP Post Awards in the Category “Graphic Design & Animation”. The event was supposed to be held online on June 10 before it was postponed to June 17. Sadly, another project won in this category.
The Season 4 Premiere in the UK (on Sky) was initially set for May 31, then postponed to June 7, and then to June 14. Last time I checked, they tweeted it’ll start at the end of July.
French Season 3 DVD Cover (via fnac)
There’s finally DVD release dates for Season 3 in several countries:
July 15 (Australia, New Zealand)
July 16 (Germany, Austria, Switzerland)
August 26 (France)
September 2 (Japan, Part 1)
October 9 (Japan, Part 2)
Besides Japan, all versions have the same cover and contain bonus material (Gag Reel and Deleted Scenes), so there’s a good chance that fans living in the US will be able to watch it as soon as the international fans get their hands on it.
Filming for the rest of the Season 4 episodes is ongoing and we have already some BtS photos and videos taken on set to enjoy. Also, we finally got promo news; including a trailer!
BtS photo of Season 4 (via Lucas Till)
(Minor Spoiler Alert: You might get spoilered about characters and storylines in Season 4 by reading this post and its comments or by clicking on the links provided! For daily news and to join the discussion and/or speculate away, you can find me on Twitter and head over to the MacGyverOnline Forums.)
Season 4 Storyline and Promo News We’re getting closer: Season 4 will premiere in 3 weeks! That’s still a bit of a wait. Good thing: We already got some exciting promo material! On January 7, they released a red logo with black writing; promising that we will find out what this means in exactly a month. Of course, the photo had everyone guessing about it being the new logo for the Phoenix Foundation, for HIT or another bad organization; starting chatter on social media and having the fandom all excited.
Teaser-Logo for Season 4 (via CBS)
On January 10, we finally got a “real” Season 4 preview. In the 30-seconds-trailer, there’s already a lot of material packed in. In a quick pace, we see MacGyver transfer from one airplane into another, saving Riley from an out-of-control-missile (hopefully defunct) tumbling down the stairs, and the team sneaking into a party being all-dressed-up while undercover. Judging by the BtS material we’ve seen in Summer, they took scenes from the first four episodes.
According to an exclusive preview via TV Line, Season 4 will pick up 18 months after the Phoenix Foundation was disbanded and the team members were stripped of their high-level clearances. Apparently, everyone in former Team Phoenix has turned to run-of-the-mill day jobs (e.g. MacGyver to a teaching position). That “ordinary” existence is put on hold when Russ Taylor (Henry Ian Cusick), an eccentric billionaire with a shady past, comes to them for help stopping an imminent attack. Realizing they must get back in the game without the resources of Phoenix, the reassembled team is put on the trail of a centuries-old apocalyptic conspiracy that is determined to save humanity from itself.
Screenshot of the Season 4 Preview (via TV Line)
Yesterday, we got the Press Release and a First Still for the Season Premiere Episode via SpoilerTV. The Still wasn’t all that exciting (MacGyver and Russ in the car), but CBS later uploaded 25 more Stills onto their press site which was a pleasant surprise. The synopsis doesn’t reveal too much yet and reads as follows:
Ex-MI6 agent Russ Taylor (Henry Ian Cusick) recruits former Phoenix Foundation members Mac, Riley, Bozer, Matty and Desi to hunt down a bioweapon that’s planned to be used by a mysterious organization for a devastating attack on a major U.S. city.
If CBS follows their Fall promo schedule for midseason shows, there should be another trailer and some video clips about a week before the Premiere. There have been hints about a photoshoot and some interviews, not to forget Lucas Till attending the Corus Upfronts in Toronto back in June, so there should be more promo stuff coming soon.
In other news, Production Design Company Keith Neely had uploaded several Season 4 photos onto their website a few weeks ago. While tweeting about the photos didn’t have any consequences, other accounts re-posting the photos onto Instagram while tagging the official Keith Neely Production account soon led to the photos being deleted. Let’s hope they’ll upload the photos again onto the website once they’re allowed to.
Season 4 Episode Overview
There’s still not a lot of info listed on IMDb (cast and crew), on TraktTV or similar sites (episode titles) and on The Futon Critic (airdates). Below, there’s the usual overview of the upcoming episodes with the most important infos we have so far. Just remember: Episode titles and airdates are not definite until an official Press Release by CBS. The episode filmed as 4×02 is actually the first one to premiere; meaning that “temporary” Executive Producer Terry Matalas had the honor of writing the Season 4 Opener.
4×01 (filmed as 4×02): Fire + Ashes + Legacy = Phoenix (February 7)
Written by Terry Matalas, directed by David Straiton
4×02 (filmed as 4×01): Red Cell (+ Quantum) + Cold + Committed (February 14)
Directed by Alexandra La Roche
4×05: Soccer + Desi + Merchant + Titan (March 6)
Directed by Duane Clark
4×06: (title tba) (March 13)
Directed by Roderick Davis
4×07: Mac + Desi + Riley + Aubrey (tbd)
Guest appearances by Tate Donovan (as James MacGyver) and Peter Weller (as Mason)
4×08: (title tba)
Presumably directed by David Straiton
4×09: (title tba)
Written by Brandon Botta and Casey Tollett Botta, directed by Mike Martinez
4×10: (title tba)
Directed by Yangzom Brauen
4×11: (title tba)
Presumed guest appearances by Amber Skye Noyes and by Dawson Towery
4×12: (title tba)
Presumed guest appearance by Rob Giumarra
4×13: Save + The + Dam + World (tbd)
Directed by Carlos Bernard
4×14: (title tba)
(tba)
4×15: Resort + Desi + Riley + Witness
Written by Stephanie Hicks, directed by Avi Youabian
Working on Episode 4×14
Filming for Episode 4×14 started on Monday, January 6. Justin Hires provided us with a few Instagram Short Stories right on the first day on set; showing us his “syndication smile” in between filming some scenes with Meredith Eaton in the War Room.
BtS photo of Season 4 (via Meredith Eaton)
Within the first few days, we got several additional goodies; e.g. BtS photos by Henry Ian Cusick, by Meredith Eaton and by Lucas Till. So far, there weren’t many BtS photos by guest stars and extras, but Drew Lamkins (who might have a small part as a bad guy) posted a selfie with Lucas on January 9. Tristin Mays had quickly deleted her Instagram Stories hinting at a photoshoot being underway, but Justin confirmed in another video that there are new promo portraits coming soon. Cast and Crew already had their first nightshoot last Friday while filming at the Governor’s mansion. During the early morning hours, we got a video by Lucas showing us how “boring” the filming process is.
Working on Episode 4×15 and beyond
On January 14, Justin Hires revealed the title for Episode 4×15 (Resort + Desi + Riley + Witness) and that he still needed to learn his lines; despite the early morning hours. The episode is directed by Avi Youabian (who also directed Episode 3×14). Filming presumably started yesterday with Justin Hires and Meredith Eaton setting up for some more War Room scenes. Additionally, they filmed some wire-work scenes with stunt doubles.
Screenshot of the Season 4 Preview (via TV Line)
Interestingly, Justin also filmed the “empty-looking” fire place set; stating that he misses filming scenes in MacGyvers house and the “gold old days”. Maybe the set hasn’t been “unpacked” since the Christmas hiatus, but it definitely looked deserted. Indeed, Justin has been filming mostly on the War Room set this season and hasn’t been spotted on location very often.
Crew, Cast and Character News I had expected a steady stream of Casting Calls right after the hiatus, but there hasn’t been much “traffic” yet. Central Casting Georgia has been looking for some more Ballet Girls, for Auction BGs and for a Female Fit Model. They’ve also been looking for a Photo-Double for Zach Hanner and for a Stand-In for Richard Garner. Also, Tristin May’s boyfriend Jessie T Usher has a guest-role as “Vincent” in the current episode.
Interestingly, Executive Producer Terry Matalas just got assigned as showrunner for Season 2 of “Star Trek: Picard” on CBS All Access. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Matalas has been pulled off the Reboot. It’s not clear yet if that means that Matalas is out completely for the back-order of the 9 episodes they’re still filming or if he’s staying involved as a producer (maybe in name only). To be honest, I’m not sure yet another EP change is a good thing. So far, we haven’t officially heard about the show getting a new co-showrunner (although on the script title page for Episode 4×15, there’s a new name been added onto the producers list).
BtS photo of Season 4 (via Christopher Jon Duddy)
Season 4 Storyline Predictions The show being pushed to midseason, the personnel changes in the team of producers and writers plus the late back-order for more episodes might have several consequences. In my last blog post, I wrote an extensive section about these circumstances and how they might influence the season. Here’s a short overview – now including some revisions due to all the new information we got in the last few weeks:
(At least) Two Main Storylines: Since the story-arc was initially written for 13 episodes, I always expected the season to be cut into two main storylines after the back-up order for 9 more episodes.
Now that Season 4 will start with a time-jump of 18 months since Episode 3×22 and the fact that EP Terry Matalas has been pulled off the show, it’s possible that there will be even 3 main storylines. The first half of the 13 initially ordered episodes might deal with the fallout and flashbacks of why Team Phoenix was disbanded. With writers and producers initially not knowing if the show gets some more episodes ordered or not, Team Phoenix is probably back to business after a few episodes – especially when considering how much BtS material we got of the cast filming in the War Room.
Screenshot of the Season 4 Preview (via TV Line)
EP Matalas wrote the Season Premiere Episode and probably set the tone for the 13 episodes. Now that he’s already gone, they might have taken up yet another story-arc and maybe even introduce another new villain for the rest of the season.
No Holiday-Related Episodes: There probably won’t be any holiday-related episodes. Being pushed to midseason, any premiere date between January and April was a possibility. They probably avoided having to air a Halloween- or Christmas-related episode in Spring or Summer.
That said, by using a time-jump we still might be able to get some short holiday-related scenes in flashbacks.
Changes in recurring guest-stars: It’s possible that some of the recurring guest stars aren’t available for the production of the rest of the episodes – or that their characters have already been written out in the first half of the season. I expected this to be the case for Tate Donovan (as James MacGyver) or Peter Weller (as Mason) who have only been sighted once on set so far, but also for actors who haven’t been sighted on set yet like Reign Edwards (as Leanna) or Lance Gross (as Billy Colton). There’s also the possibility of bringing back a guest star despite the storyline for this character being “finished” in the first half of the season or in a previous season.
The decision to have 4×01 starting with such a long time-jump only fuels this prediction because the writers (and producers) now can change the history of the characters and the relationships between them however they please; getting a “blank slate” to start anew without having to show us how it happened.
BtS photo of Season 4 (via Henry Ian Cusick)
FIrst example is the relationship between MacGyver and Desi. The last few episodes hinted at a beginning romance between these two characters. If they decided to go on with it, we might see Mac and Desi in an already established relationship; living together in Mac’s house. It’s an easy (and also lazy) way to skip over the usual building of romance and trust between two characters. Instead of “wasting” screentime on the two going on dates and kissing for the first time for several episodes; being unsure if dating a co-worker is the right decision by the middle of the season and discussing if they should move in together by the end of the season, they can get right into the main storyline without having to deal with all this “romantic stuff”; robbing the “MacDesi” fans of experiencing the slow burn and dance-around-each-other-part that many TV shows love to deliver.
Likewise, if they came to the decision to have another romantic interest for MacGyver instead, they can just tell us they dated and broke off or that the first date never led to anything more. In fact, they can add whatever romantic history between any of the characters without having to show us the beginning (or the potential ending and the characters dealing with it) since it all happened off-screen – only to bring it back later when it suits them to add tension.
Screenshot of the Season 4 Preview (via TV Line)
It also means that the writers don’t have to deal at all with characters played by actors that aren’t available this season. lnstead of trying to find explanations for Leanna’s absence, they can just tell us that Leanna and Bozer broke it off a long time ago. That also means that they can introduce new characters (e.g. a new girlfriend for Bozer) whenever they want or bring back characters without coming back to their storyline happening last season (e.g. Murdoc or Helman who might have broken out of prison months ago). Also, the time-jump is a very handy tool to “deal” with the absence of Jack Dalton. They could have someone mention Jack being retired at some farm in Texas; happily married and/or with kids.
Fluctuation in Quality: The back-order for the additional episodes to make it a full season was rather late. I doubt it’s easy to provide 9 more scripts as quickly as possible so the crew can start on location scouting and preparing sets and costumes. I hope I’m wrong, but I expect the second half of the season to be of a bit lower quality with a rushed feel to it and unnecessary plot twists to fit in a second story-arc.
Considering that co-showrunner Terry Matalas has probably already been pulled off for the rest of the season, I don’t just expect a difference in quality, but also in tone and style and the choice of guest-stars since Matalas brought a lot of people he had already worked with during the show 12 Monkeys.
Screenshot of the Season 4 Preview (via TV Line)
Best of TV Awards: Round 1 Voting still open
The Reboot is competing in the “Best of TV Awards” held by Canada Graphs.
Reminder: In Round 1, you can vote as many times as you want. If the show is not available to choose from the list, you can add a new entry nominee into the “other” box at the bottom of the category. Your choice will be added as soon as several votes have come in. These are the categories to keep an eye on in Round 1:
Best Recurring Actor/Actress (George Eads, Tate Donovan, Reign Edwards)
Favorite Show
Best Guest Actor/Actress (David Dastmalchian, Michael Des Barres; closed)
Best Director (Brad Turner for Episode 3×13, closed)
Best Episode (Episodes 3×11, 3×13, 3×22; closed)
Favorite Character (Mac, Jack, Riley, Bozer; closed)
Best Writing (closed)
Best Stunts (closed)
Best Non-Human Character or Prop (Sparky; closed)
Best Couple (Bozer + Leanna; closed)
Season 3 DVD and other merchandise The Season 3 DVD was released on January 14. If you haven’t done so, you can order it via Amazon US at a great price (it’s still on sale with 50% off).
Season 3 DVD Back Cover (via Bob’s Movie Review)
Sadly, there was no information about the contents to be found. It wasn’t before January 9 that we even got a glimpse of the back cover. So of course, we already suspected that the Season 3 DVD would turn out to be the same “naked” version as the one for Season 1, and we were right. The US version of the Season 3 DVD doesn’t contain any Extras or special features.
Although expected, this is a big disappointment; considering CBS put Extras on all their recent DVDs and Season 3 had been aired as a Fall show with decent ratings last year. There’s no information yet about the DVD release overseas, so we can only hope that the international distributors will be kinder than Lionsgate.
A filming hiatus over the holidays doesn’t mean that the production is completely on hold. Apparently, some of the cast have already been doing interviews for the upcoming promo.
Screenshot of the CBS Midseason Preview (via CBS)
(Minor Spoiler Alert: You might get spoilered about characters and storylines in Season 4 by reading this post and its comments or by clicking on the links provided! For daily news and to join the discussion and/or speculate away, you can find me on Twitter and head over to the MacGyverOnline Forums.)
Season 4 Premiere and Promo News We’re getting closer: Season 4 will premiere next month! As you remember, CBS had released a short midseason/winter preview of their new and returning shows with a few new scenes of the Reboot. The scenes seem to be taken from the Premiere Episode 4×01 (Red Cell + Quantum + Cold + Committed; also listed on some sites with the title Red Cell + Cold + Committed).
At the moment, CBS is mainly promoting the shows returning (like tonight’s crossover between Magnum PI and Hawaii Five-0) or the shows starting soon (like Criminal Minds or rookie show FBI: Most Wanted). I’m assuming they might start promoting rookie Tommy before promoting the Reboot, but with the two shows starting only a day apart, we might get some combined promo spots. A Press Release and a first Offical Still might arrive next week hopefully.
BtS photo of Episode 4×13: Save + The + Dam + World (via Drew Whitehouse)
According to Jay Bobbin, he recently did an upcoming interview with Lucas Till. We also should get a Press Release and a First Still soon. They didn’t do any special promo for new regular characters since Meredith Eaton joined back in Season 1, so I’m not sure if we can expect some special promo or interviews with Henry Ian Cusick.
Season 4 Episode Overview
There’s still not enough info listed on IMDb (cast and crew), on TraktTV or similar sites (episode titles) and on The Futon Critic (airdates). Below, there’s the usual overview of the upcoming episodes with the most important infos we have so far. Just remember: Episode titles and airdates are not definite until an official Press Release by CBS.
4×01: Red Cell + Quantum + Cold + Committed (February 7)
Directed by Alexandra La Roche
4×02: Fire + Ashes + Legacy = Phoenix (February 14)
Written by Terry Matalas, directed by David Straiton
4×05: Soccer + Desi + Merchant + Titan (March 6)
Directed by Duane Clark
4×06: (title tba) (March 13)
Directed by Roderick Davis
4×07: Mac + Desi + Riley + Aubrey (tbd)
Guest appearances by Tate Donovan (as James MacGyver) and Peter Weller (as Mason)
4×08: (title tba)
Presumably directed by David Straiton
4×09: (title tba)
Written by Brandon Botta and Casey Tollett Botta, directed by Mike Martinez
4×10: (title tba)
Directed by Yangzom Brauen
4×11: (title tba)
Presumed guest appearances by Amber Skye Noyes and by Dawson Towery
4×12: (title tba)
Presumed guest appearance by Rob Giumarra
4×13: Save + The + Dam + World (tbd)
Directed by Carlos Bernard
Principal filming for Episode 4×13 wrapped around November 23. The back-order for the additional 9 episodes to make it a full season was rather late. This might be one of the reasons why production wrapped up rather early (last year, they had finished with 15 episodes).
Screenshot of the CBS Midseason Preview (via CBS)
Of course, the main cast enjoying a break doesn’t mean that the production is completely on hold. Stunt and second teams filmed some more stunt scenes and inserts on November 26. During Christmas hiatus, scripts were being written, locations scouted and guest stars and background actors hired. As Set Decorator Nicole LeBlanc stated on December 26, her hiatus was already over. Justin Hires is also back in Atlanta. Judging by the current Casting Calls (see below), filming should resume next week.
Other Cast and Character News Some information for Henry Ian Cusick and his character Russ Taylor has been added two weeks ago on CBS Press Express. The CBS All Access site hasn’t been updated yet.
ICYMI: A few weeks ago, Central Casting Georgia had the first casting calls for Extras in 2020. They’ve been looking for ballet kids age 9 or 10 and are still searching for background actors during an Auction Scene.
BtS photo of Episode 4×01: Red Cell + Quantum + Cold + Committed (via Peter Lenkov; posted back in July)
Season 4 Storyline Predictions The show being pushed to midseason, the personnel changes in the team of producers and writers plus the late back-order for more episodes might have several consequences. Here’s my thoughts about these circumstances and how they might influence the season:
Two Main Storylines: Since the story-arc was initially written for 13 episodes, I expect the season to be cut into two main storylines; similar to Season 1.
Unlike Season 1 tough, there probably won’t be a severe cliffhanger since the writers and producers had to consider the possibility of the show not coming back and/or not getting any additional episodes.
BtS photo of Episode 4×01: Red Cell + Quantum + Cold + Committed (via Levy Tran; posted back in July)
If there’s now the intention to have a plot twist in the middle of the season, they could maybe switch the episode order before March Madness to ensure the viewers coming back after the short hiatus.
No Holiday-Related Episodes: Production started before having a premiere date and a time-slot. So contrary to the other seasons, there probably won’t be any holiday-related episodes.
Being pushed to midseason, any premiere date between January and April was a possibility. The Reboot could have even ended up as a Summer show, so they probably avoided having to air a Halloween- or Christmas-related episode in Spring or Summer. That most likely also means no mention of Valentine’s Day (despite Episode 4×02 airing on February 14) and no references to the current storylines of the other Lenkov-shows (at least for the first half of the season).
Screenshot compilation of a BtS video of Episode 4×13: Save + The + Dam + World (via Tristin Mays)
Of course, that doesn’t change the fact that they will air some of the “wintery” episodes in Spring or early Summer. We might even see some snowfall (like in Episode 2×15), but they might explain it with the mission being set outside the US.
Changes in recurring guest-stars: Some recurring guest-stars we expected to see might not show up while other guest-stars will.
It’s possible that some of the recurring guest stars aren’t available for the production of the rest of the episodes; occupied with another project they took on while thinking filming for Season 4 will be finished by November – or worse, their characters having been written out with the intention of finishing at least one of the minor storylines in case the show gets cancelled. This could be the case for Tate Donovan (as James MacGyver) or Peter Weller (as Mason) who have only been sighted once on set so far.
BtS photo of Episode 4×01: Red Cell + Quantum + Cold + Committed (via Justin Hires; posted back in July)
On the other hand, they have now more time and opportunity to get some new/old guest stars; maybe also recurring ones we haven’t seen on set yet (e.g. Reign Edwards as Leanna, Michael Des Barres as Helman or anyone of the Colton family).
There’s also the possibility of bringing back a guest star despite the storyline for this character being “finished” in the first half of the season or in a previous season. Considering they got note in November to push out 9 more episodes with filming resuming in January, they might have been a bit short on elaborated ideas for new characters; hence reaching out to guest-stars with already established characters instead.
Fluctuation in Quality: The second half of the season might be of “lower quality”.
As mentioned above, the back-order for the additional 9 episodes to make it a full season was rather late. They might have had to re-negotiate some contracts. Also, the majority of the writers in the current script-writing team are rather young and in-experienced. I assume that even established writers might have some difficulties coughing up 9 more scripts as quickly as possible.
BtS photo of Episode 4×01: Red Cell + Quantum + Cold + Committed (via L. Marie Richardson; posted back in July)
They might not just bring back already fleshed-out characters, but they also might have ordered scripts from new or former writers or even taken up old script ideas that didn’t get made in earlier seasons. I could be wrong (and I hope I am), but I expect the second half of the season to be of a bit lower quality with a rushed feel to it and unnecessary plot twists to fit in a second story-arc.
The current CBS Friday Ratings
There was a Christmas hiatus for all CBS crime and drama shows. The Friday hiatus ends today with the Crossover between Hawaii Five-0 and Magnum PI. At the moment, the average Friday ratings per episode look like this:
Hawaii Five-0 (8pm): 0.69 in demo (-10.74% compared to last season), 6.89 million live-viewers (-4.40%)
Magnum PI (9pm): 0.61 demo (-31.56%), 6.32 million live-viewers (+5.45%)
Blue Bloods (10pm): 0.62 demo (-21.56%), 7.47 million live-viewers (-11.41%)
As mentioned before, the Friday ratings have been good this season – so good, that Friday is currently the second-best rated weekday on CBS after Tuesday. The average demo-loss of the CBS crime-shows this season so far is about 16%. As you can see, H50 has been doing exceptionally well this season (despite the new timeslot), while Magnum lost almost twice as much in demo ratings (which might be one of the reason it’s going to be benched to make room for MacGyver).
Advertizing for Season 1 reruns on German TV.
Good thing to know: A timeslot around midseason on a Friday means that the expectations aren’t as high as for shows with a Fall premiere date. Ideally, MacGyver should make the same numbers as the other Friday shows, meaning a demo above 0.6 and a live-audience of at least 6.3 million viewers. The better the ratings compared to the other CBS crime-shows, the better the chances for a syndication deal (which is necessary for the show to get renewed).
Best of TV Awards: Round 1 Voting still open
It’s not any prestigious contest, but the Reboot is competing in the “Best of TV Awards” held by Canada Graphs.
BtS photo of Season 4 (via Justin Hires)
Reminder: In Round 1, you can vote as many times as you want. If the show is not available to choose from the list, you can add a new entry nominee into the “other” box at the bottom of the category. Your choice will be added as soon as several votes have come in. These are the categories to keep an eye on in Round 1:
Best Director (Brad Turner for Episode 3×13)
Best Episode (Episodes 3×11, 3×13, 3×22)
Favorite Character (Mac, Jack, Riley, Bozer)
Best Writing (closed)
Best Stunts (closed)
Best Non-Human Character or Prop (Sparky; closed)
Best Couple (Bozer + Leanna; closed)
Season 3 DVD and other merchandise The Season 3 DVD will be released on January 14. It’s been finally added to Amazon US for pre-ordering and is currently on sale (50% off). There’s a cover preview, but still no information if there will be any Extras available. The low price at the moment has me worried a bit that they didn’t include any Extras for the US version.
Season 3 DVD Cover Preview (via Nothing But Geek)
The official CBS store for the show still hasn’t been back up yet. They had been late for the Fall shows as well (not opening them before October or November), so we can only hope someone finds the time to update it soon.
It’s been 6 weeks for the Fall shows on CBS. Not for MacGyver, sadly. So let’s (finally!) finish another blog post to help easing the pain of having to wait for Season 4, no?
As with Seasons 1 and 2, I’m looking back at the Official Stills for each episode of Season 3; picking my favorites and writing down some of my thoughts. (Because I just can’t keep quiet, as you all know.)
Episode 3×22: Mason + Cable + Choices (Official Still via Getty Images)
If you missed Part 1 (Episodes 3×01 to 3×05), you can read the post here. For Part 2 (Episodes 3×06 to 3×10), you can visit there. Part 3 (Episodes 3×11 to 3×15) is to be found here. And there you can read Part 4 (Episodes 3×16 to 3×19).
Episode 3×20: No Go + High Voltage + Rescue (Still Photographer: Jace Downs) For Episode 3×20, we got 11 Official Stills by Still Photographer Jace Downs. Most of them are not all that interesting, but there is a nice team shot that already has been used for a lot of Season 4 fan art.
Episode 3×20: No Go + High Voltage + Rescue (Official Still via CBS)
MY FAVORITE: The walking team shot one, of course.
NOW THAT’S DISAPPOINTING: Nothing downright disappointing. Four Stills of the cast sitting in a car just aren’t all that good for getting people interested in the episode beforehand.
Episode 3×21: Treason + Heartbreak + Gum (Erik Voake) For Episode 3×21, we got 11 photos. Sadly, the Official Stills were never released on SpoilerTV in good quality. Some of the Stills aren’t even available anyhwere but on Getty Images.
MY FAVORITE: Pretty people doing obscure things. A longer scene with Desi and Oversight could have been very interesting – considering she’s now taking over the role of Jack (who Oversight kind of chose to be put together with Mac to watch his back while he didn’t with Desi).
NOW THAT’S DISAPPOINTING: Not much to choose from. Only one Still with the main character – and it’s watermarked. To be honest, I don’t really like this episode that much and I think the BtS photos are way more interesting. It had originally been intended to be the Season Finale and I’m really glad they didn’t go with it.
Episode 3×22: Mason + Cable + Choices (Jace Downs)
The Season Finale delivered 12 Official Stills. Weirdly, CBS later deleted 4 of them from their official press release page before SpoilerTV got a hand on them. As with Episode 3×21, these Stills are only available via Getty Images and therefore watermarked.
Episode 3×22: Mason + Cable + Choices (Official Still via TV Insider)
MY FAVORITE: It’s Mac doing his thing while the others don’t really know what’s going on.
NOW THAT’S DISAPPOINTING: With the press release, it wasn’t a secret anymore that Peter Weller would be guest-starring as the big bad in this episode. A Still with him would have been nice. Also, for a Season Finale, the Stills aren’t all that exciting – but the same can be said about the finale episodes for the previous seasons. On the other hand, they had released the first Still for the Season 2 Finale as a First Look Still of Oversight via TV Line. Nothing like that this time.
It’s promotion time for the Fall shows on CBS. Not for MacGyver, sadly. So let’s finish another blog post to help easing the pain of having to wait for Season 4, no?
As with Seasons 1 and 2, I’m looking back at the Official Stills for each episode of Season 3; picking my favorites and writing down some of my thoughts. (Because I just can’t keep quiet, as you all know.)
Episode 3×18: Murdoc + Helman + Hit (Official Still via SpoilerTV)
If you missed Part 1 (Episodes 3×01 to 3×05), you can read the post here. For Part 2 (Episodes 3×06 to 3×10), you can visit here. Part 3 (Episodes 3×11 to 3×15) is to be found here.
Episode 3×16: Lidar + Rogues + Duty (Still Photographer: Guy D’Alema) For Episode 3×16, we got 9 Official Stills by Still Photographer Guy D’Alema. They all feature Riley, Bozer and/or Desi in the lab with Sparky. Later, CBS added 4 screenshots of Mac and Desi out on the main mission as additional Stills.
Episode 3×16: Lidar + Rogues + Duty (Official Still via CBS)
MY FAVORITE: It might be a rather blurry screenshot, but I still prefer Mac out in the wild over a lab photo. Sorry, Guy.
NOW THAT’S DISAPPOINTING: Nothing downright disappointing. I still think it’s an interesting choice to get the Still Photographer to a certain location on the day the main character isn’t there. Especially since for this episode, not much happens in the lab. Maybe there had been a schedule change.
Episode 3×17: Seeds + Permafrost + Feather (Jace Downs) For Episode 3×17, we got 13 Stills of the team either in the lab or on the main mission. Besides in one photo, there’s not much action going on.
Episode 3×17: Seeds + Permafrost + Feather (Official Still via SpoilerTV)
MY FAVORITE: Pretty people standing around and looking dangerous.
NOW THAT’S DISAPPOINTING: Not much to choose from besides pretty people standing around and looking pretty. I guess it could be worse.
Episode 3×18: Murdoc + Helman + HIT (Jace Downs)
Episode 3×18 delivered 19 Official Stills; 18 of them featuring one or more members of Team Phoenix staring down Murdoc.
Episode 3×18: Murdoc + Helman + Hit (Official Still via SpoilerTV)
MY FAVORITE: It’s Mac and MacDaddy confronting Murdoc. With James seemingly holding MacGyver back or trying to protect him, the Still allows speculations into different directions.
NOW THAT’S DISAPPOINTING: 18 Stills of Team Phoenix staring down Murdoc. They could have at least provided one with Murdoc’s nemesis Helman. I mean, it’s Michael Des Barres, everyone. And with all the BtS photos and the trailer, it wasn’t a secret anymore that MDB would be guest-starring in this episode.
Episode 3×19: Friends + Enemies + Border (Jace Downs) We got 8 Stills for this episode; all of them of Mac and/or Desi on the main mission.
Episode 3×19: Friends + Enemies + Border (Official Still via CBS)
MY FAVORITE: Mac and Desi in a tense conversation. This might get interesting.
NOW THAT’S DISAPPOINTING: I think the episode would have provided better opportunities at Stills. But the Still Photographer is scheduled for a specific timeslot and has to take photos of what he can. I felt some of the BtS photos were more interesting, though.
As with Seasons 1 and 2, I’m looking back at the Official Stills for each episode of Season 3; picking my favorites and writing down some of my thoughts. (Because I just can’t keep quiet, as you all know by now.)
Episode 3×14: Father + Bride + Betrayal (Official Still via SpoilerTV)
If you missed Part 1 (Episodes 3×01 to 3×05), you can find the post here. For Part 2 (Episodes 3×06 to 3×10), you can visit here.
Episode 3×11: Mac + Fallout + Jack (Still Photographer: Guy D’Alema) For Episode 3×11, we got 11 Official Stills. They all feature the main mission – or rather the memory of a main mission – with Mac and Jack.
Episode 3×11: Mac + Fallout + Jack (Official Still via SpoilerTV)
MY FAVORITE: To me, Guy D’Alema is the best of the bunch of Still Photographers they have been using for Official Stills. My favorite Still of this episode is the perfect example – he chooses interesting angles. Even when he takes photos of the same scene, they don’t all look the same.
NOW THAT’S DISAPPOINTING: Nothing downright disappointing. I wouldn’t have minded an additional Still of the B-storyline with Riley, Leanna and Bozer, though. Or of the current storyline of Mac and Jack being held prisoner.
Episode 3×12: Fence + Suitcase + Americium-241 (Richard DuCree) For Episode 3×12, we got 13 Stills of the team involved in the main mission. For once, the photos featured the team in different constellations.
Episode 3×12: Fence + Suitcase + Americium-241 (Official Still via SpoilerTV)
MY FAVORITE: The one with Bozer, Mac and Riley. We didn’t get many Stills of the “core” team this season. The cast appears usually in pairs or alone in the Still photos; not as a group.
NOW THAT’S DISAPPOINTING: Not having a Still with Jack to choose from is always disappointing.
Episode 3×13: Wilderness + Training + Survival(Guy D’Alema)
Episode 3×13 delivered 9 Official Stills; all of them featuring MacGyver and the main mission.
Episode 3×13: Wilderness + Training + Survival (Official Still via CBS Press Express)
MY FAVORITE: It’s Mac doing some MacGyvering. What else do you need?
NOW THAT’S DISAPPOINTING: It’s nice to see Mac doing his thing out in the wild, so nothing disappointing here.
Episode 3×14: Father + Bride + Betrayal (Guy D’Alema) We got 9 Stills for this episode; all of them of the main cast.
Episode 3×14: Father + Bride + Betrayal (Official Still via SpoilerTV)
MY FAVORITE: MacRiley! As a runner-up, we have Mac and Jack contemplating food at the top of this post.
NOW THAT’S DISAPPOINTING: Pretty people in pretty clothes looking pretty. But it’s the last episode with Jack *sniff*. And there’s not even a group photo of them all dolled up.
Episode 3×15: K9 + Smugglers + New Recruit (Jace Downs)
This episode delivered 12 Official Stills. The new recurring cast member got 2 Stills all for herself and the guest star is in several of them as well.
Episode 3×15: K9 + Smugglers + New Recruit (Official Still via CBS)
MY FAVORITE: Pretty people looking fierce.
NOW THAT’S DISAPPOINTING: No close-up Still of the canine guest star. He’s cute and deserves to have his own portrait.
What a bummer: Although renewed for another Season, the show was moved to midseason, getting an order of 13 episodes only. Filming will start in July like last year, though.
Lucas Till at the Corus Upfronts 2019 (via CBS Studios International)
(Minor Spoiler Alert: You might get spoilered about characters and storylines in Season 4 by reading this post and its comments or by clicking on the links provided!)
What are Cast and Crew up to? The Season 3 Finale aired on May 10. Some of the cast and crew enjoyed some downtime while others worked on different projects. Lucas Till wrapped his movie Son of the South a few weeks ago. He “disappeared” for two weeks – only to pop up at the Corus Upfronts in Toronto (more about that further down).
Tristin Mays at the IFS screening for “Breate” (via Troy Curvey)
The rest of the main cast was pretty busy in recent months as well:
Justin Hires dropped the first single for his upcoming album. He has a new website and filmed a music video this week.
Tristin Mays’ short “Breathe” was screened at IFS (Independent Filmmakers Showcase) in LA last month. She already won in the category “Best Actress” at “FirstGlance Film Fest Hollywood” back in March and reviews are good, but there’s no official release date yet.
George Eads’ Korean War movie “The Battle of Jangsari” has been picked up for international distribution.
Levy Tran went back to her old job and spent time with her family. She is busy packing this week – probably preparing to come back to Atlanta for Season 4.
Amazon Studios has picked up “The Wilds”, the series that Reign Edwards filmed the pilot for in New Zealand last year. It’s not clear yet if Reign is still part of the project (we all remember the Unaired MacGyver Reboot Pilot), but if she is, that means we might probably have to say goodbye to Leanna for good.
Reboot-related, it’s gotten pretty quiet on social media before the Corus Upfronts. Every now and then, a new/old BtS photo (e.g. of Justin Hires or of Lucas Till in Episode 2×01) pops up.
Isabel DeLaCruz briefly talked about working on Episode 2×21 (Wind + Water) in a podcast. Technical Consultant Rhett Allain continued uploading blog posts with science notes about the MacHacks. He’s intent on finishing Season 2 during the hiatus; adding blog posts for Episode 2×06 (Jet Engine + Pickup Truck), for Episode 2×07 (Duct Tape + Jack) and for Episode 2×08 (Packing Peanuts + Fire).
About the Season 3 Ratings (Encore) Let’s revisit the ratings. To freshen up your memory: The Season Finale had 5.472 million live-viewers with a demo of 0.6. In the +7 Ratings, it added 1.588 million viewers (+29%), reaching a total of 7.063 million viewers and a demo of 0.93 (+44%).
The Reboot ended Season 3 with an average of 6.107 millions live-viewers per episode with a demo-rating of 0.70. Comparing to Season 2, the show lost about 16% in demo and roughly 11% in live audience numbers.
Compared to the 26 scripted shows on CBS during the 2018-2019 Season, the Reboot made rank 22 in demo and rank 13 in audience numbers. Compared to the Summer shows on CBS at the moment, it would be at rank 2 in demo and first in audience, but we can’t assume the Reboot will be able to keep its current ratings when airing midseason.
Overall, CBS lost quite a bit in the demo ratings. This happened to the other networks as well – but compared to the ratings 7 years ago, it lost the most; experience an average demo drop of more than 65%.
Ratings prediction for Season 4
Usually, a new season of an ongoing Fall show continues in ratings in September the way it ended its last season. Then, it hopefully rises up and peaks around Christmas before dropping again – which did indeed happen for Season 3. Predicting the Season 4 ratings is pretty much impossible at this moment, though – since we don’t know yet in what timeslot the show will end up in and if it will air as a Winter, Spring or Summer show. Sadly, midseason shows aren’t very famous for their ratings in general.
BtS photo of Episode 3×22: Mason + Cable + Choices (via Lucas Till)
CBS has several mediocre-rated shows on TV this Fall, so they’re tolerating shows to drop lower in ratings than they used to a few years ago. But it’s difficult to say what CBS will expect ratings-wise for MacGyver and what it will be willing to tolerate before cancelling it. Whatever timeslot the Reboot ends up in, the ratings will surely drop lower than they would have otherwise.
Justin Hires at West Palm Beach Improv (via Ulysses Burdenii)
It’s worth noting that both rookie Spring shows this year on CBS failed – they haven’t been renewed yet and didn’t get a back-order, so they’re essentially cancelled. After 8 episodes so far, The Code (Mondays 9pm) is at 5.10 million live-viewers with a demo of 0.57 on average. The Red Line (Sundays 8pm) ended its run of 8 episodes with 3.85 million live-viewers and a demo of 0.36 per episode.
Summer Show Blood & Treasure (Tuesdays 10pm) aired 4 episodes so far. The average at the moment is 4.94 million live-viewers with a demo of 0.56. It could stabilize because it has a great lead-in with NCIS and FBI.
Lucas Till at the Corus Upfronts 2019 (via Candids Toronto)
All you need to know about Season 4
On May 9, CBS finally broke the news that MacGyver has been renewed for another Season. Sadly, the celebration got ruined not even a week later: The show won’t come back this year since it was being shoved to mid-season. Its Friday Fall timeslot at 8pm will be taken over by Hawaii Five-0, since Magnum PI will be airing on Fridays at 9pm.
So far, there’s no reruns planned for MacGyver either during the hiatus. The 8pm Friday timeslot is filled with “Whistleblower” and “Love Island” at the moment. Starting August 9, they will run Hawaii Five-0 reruns at 8pm, followed by Magnum reruns at 9pm and Blue Bloods reruns at 10pm; testing the new schedule for Fall Season. The same is happening on Wednesday, with CBS foregoing reruns of SEAL Team to air reruns of SWAT instead.
CBS Fall 2019 Schedule (via World Screen)
Here’s what we know so far about the upcoming season:
Terry Matalas (12 Monkeys) will replace Craig O’Neill as new Co-Showrunner besides Executive Producer Peter Lenkov.
As Peter Lenkov stated, they will start filming in July as usual, so in about 4 weeks.
As Justin Hires revealed, they will film 13 episodes for now; filming from July to December. (The order for only half a season was later confirmed by Lenkov.)
There’s no further information about returning cast and crew. There’s also no Casting Calls out yet. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
(For daily news about Season 4 and to join the discussion and/or speculate away, you can head over to the MacGyverOnline Forums.)
BtS photo of Episode 2×01: DIY or DIE (via Robert Maxfield)
They might start filming soon, but if we’re unlucky, it could take another half a year until we get official news about the premiere date and the timeslot. There’s several possibilities:
The Reboot could take over the 1-hour-timeslot of a rookie show or any other show that didn’t get a full season order, so probably premiering in January 2020. This is the most likely option. Good thing: We don’t have to wait too long and there’s room for more than 13 episodes. Bad thing: Options are Mondays 9pm (in place of All Rise), Thursdays 10pm (Evil) or even Sundays 10pm (Madam Secretary) – which probably doesn’t bode well for ratings since MacGyver has all the charactericstics of being an 8pm show. Shows often drop heavily in ratings when being shoved to a later timeslot (see Scorpion or Bull). Also, Sundays is considered the “Death Slot” on CBS (contrary to Fridays on other networks).
The Reboot could take over the timeslot of a show with a full season order of 22 episodes that doesn’t get reruns after the season finale. Good thing: It could get an 8pm slot and even air on Fridays again. Bad thing: That would still mean we would have to wait until April or even May next year – which probably doesn’t bode well for ratings either since this would essentially make it a Summer show. (With only having 13 episodes, it wouldn’t need to start airing before June to be done in time for the new Fall shows to start in September.)
The Reboot could take over the 1-hour-timeslot of a crime show that got pulled early. Good thing: We don’t have to wait too long and there’s room for more than 13 episodes. It could even end up on Friday again. Bad thing: Who wants to take over the timeslot of a show that failed spectacularly or got pulled because of a scandal? Also, this doesn’t happen very often; especially not with shows that made it further than the first season.
At the moment, it’s too early to speculate about it too much. Some rookie shows generated more buzz than others, but it’s still difficult to determine which show will be successful with a back-order and which might end after half a season; being replaced by MacGyver.
Lucas Till having fun at the Corus Upfronts 2019 (via Lucas Till)
The Corus Upfronts and other MacGyver Promo
Like back in 2017, Lucas Till promoted the upcoming season at the Corus Upfronts in Toronto for GlobalTV. It was a pleasant surprise to see BtS photos of interviews and of him posing with fans pop up on social media on Monday. So far, there haven’t been any interviews released yet.
Apparently, the MacGyver Manual got a new cover and title once again: It’s now called “The Official MacGyver Survival Manual: 155 Ways to Save the Day”. The release date stays the same (September 17) and it still has 208 pages, but it contains now 155 MacHacks instead of 153.
MacGyver Survival Manual title page (via Amazon)
MacGyver in France After keeping stable and peaking at Episode 3×14, the ratings in France have been dropping since Episode 3×15.
As you can see, the numbers for the Season finale were a bit disastrous, but that’s probably because of an important European Soccer Game on another channel airing at the same time.
The French DVD for Season 2 will be released on July 24. There’s still no further information about the extras.
Dashboard On Fire 