Letter to Nina Tassler, CEO, CBS Communications (#2)
Ms. Tassler:
I wanted to take this opportunity to touch base with you regarding the current situation regarding AJ Cook and Paget Brewster, two major stars on Criminal Minds. By now I am sure you have some concept of the anger and confusion the proposed casting changes have evoked in the show's massive fan base. In fact, over the past four days, the petition which I mentioned in my earlier message to you has swelled to nearly 32,000 signatures. Those are 32,000 devoted fans which watch your network with regularity every Wednesday night to enjoy not only the mental and visual stimulation of the action-packed storylines, but also, to relish the easy camaraderie and chemistry that exists within the seven members of the core cast. It's a kinship that touches people, because only a program which features believable, accessible characters, such as those portrayed by Ms. Brewster and Ms. Cook, can make the viewership stand up and take ownership the way we all have. The current fan reaction is nothing less than the result of a talented cast and an amazing group of individuals who not only entertain and act as role models on the screen, but allow access to their lives via such portals as Twitter. We the fans care about these characters, and the well-being of the actors who portray them. It would be a shame for CBS to allow such a fervent following of one of its shows, and by extension, the network itself, to fall apart and lose a major fan base simply due to some hazy 'creative' changes.
Again, I extend my hope that this matter can be resolved with the Criminal Minds team intact. I trust you will proceed with best interest of this program in mind.
Respectfully,
Kathleen Kinard-Hyde
Avid Fan
I wanted to take this opportunity to touch base with you regarding the current situation regarding AJ Cook and Paget Brewster, two major stars on Criminal Minds. By now I am sure you have some concept of the anger and confusion the proposed casting changes have evoked in the show's massive fan base. In fact, over the past four days, the petition which I mentioned in my earlier message to you has swelled to nearly 32,000 signatures. Those are 32,000 devoted fans which watch your network with regularity every Wednesday night to enjoy not only the mental and visual stimulation of the action-packed storylines, but also, to relish the easy camaraderie and chemistry that exists within the seven members of the core cast. It's a kinship that touches people, because only a program which features believable, accessible characters, such as those portrayed by Ms. Brewster and Ms. Cook, can make the viewership stand up and take ownership the way we all have. The current fan reaction is nothing less than the result of a talented cast and an amazing group of individuals who not only entertain and act as role models on the screen, but allow access to their lives via such portals as Twitter. We the fans care about these characters, and the well-being of the actors who portray them. It would be a shame for CBS to allow such a fervent following of one of its shows, and by extension, the network itself, to fall apart and lose a major fan base simply due to some hazy 'creative' changes.
Again, I extend my hope that this matter can be resolved with the Criminal Minds team intact. I trust you will proceed with best interest of this program in mind.
Respectfully,
Kathleen Kinard-Hyde
Avid Fan