Alcatraz vs Fringe Serialized Comparisons, More TCA Reports

We have the latest Alcatraz buzz from today’s TCA, including why the show is different from Fringe, why fans should keep an eye on the flashbacks, and JJ. Abrams‘ love for serialized TV.

JJ. Abrams was on hand with the show’s exec producers Jennifer Johnson, Daniel Pyne and Jack Bender, as well as cast members Sarah Jones, Jorge Garcia and Sam Neil. Here are the quotables:

Abrams: says Fringe is a very different show from Alcatraz.
He offers that from the outset Fringe is more deeply personal and emotionally-driven. Says the premise of Fringe was always designed to be personal to Olivia.
Abrams believes Alcatraz wont get nearly as serialized as Fringe since the 302 missing prisoners premise is more specific.
That said, Abrams admits “I LOVE SERIALIZED TV. I JUST LOVE IT”.
Abrams reiterates that he watched the first four minutes of Alias Season 3 and thought “what the f– is going on!?” But says show suffered when it went to episodic stories.

More Specific to Alcatraz

Abrams: “I would watch Alcatraz flashbacks, that have a gothic-noir quality. Those scenes inform behavior of present day.”
EP Daniel Pyne: “It’s not a serialized show - it’s a show with a great mythology.” Says they want it to be accessible to casual viewers and have an ongoing storyline (So it’s partly serialized).
EP Jennifer Johnson says they’re working on a character based on Birdman – a really crazy inmate.
Garcia on chasing Alcatraz prisoners: “When they’re in front of you, these are scary human beings.”
Sam Neill on Alcatraz Island: “Something surreally cruel abt that isolation in full view of one of the most beautiful cities in world.” Describes Alcatraz as having a ‘graphic novel’ world.
On original EP Elizabeth Sarnoff’s departure, Abrams says she decided to step down after changes to Alcatraz pilot.
EP Jack Bender says Alcatraz has crazy-ass premise but is very much grounded in the real world.
Johnson says viewers will only get a “few” answers at end of season 1. Confirms that each of the main characters has a tie to the Island.