Exclusive: 'Army Wives' Creator Relieved of Duty

ArmyGal Fri, Nov 7, 2008 at 04:32 PM EST

Seeing this article now brings everything into prospective.... This season wasn't as strong as the first AND this now explains the complete change of direction - A SHAME. They will probably destroy would could have been a very successful show.

Thu, Nov 6, 2008 at 08:10 AM EST

I totally disagree with the retired soldier. Civilian wifes and Army wifes are different. I should know I have been both.

mudpiegirl Sat, Sep 27, 2008 at 08:53 AM EST

I can't say whether it has anything to do with Fugate or not, because I honestly don't always pay attention to who writes every episode, but I know that I haven't enjoyed season two as much, and it's way overly melodramatic, in my opinion. I also think it's losing what made it great in the first place, which was a focus on the core group and their Army life. Now it's stalkers and talk show offers and bar business and they are all off in their own direction.

Mon, Aug 25, 2008 at 03:06 PM EST

"Uh, if Fugate isn't to blame for the "bad writing" in season 2 even though she only just left the show, then it's kind of hard to say she should be credited for anything good in season 1."

It's been quoted and confirmed, she only wrote the first few episodes and hasn't been writing or involved with the show for months. Lifetime has made it clear they wanted a change in the voice and direction of the show. She was the voice of Season 1 and not Season 2. Those are the facts. Whether or not fans like the change is their choice. But the voice of the show has totally changed.

Binky Sat, Aug 23, 2008 at 11:50 AM EST

Uh, if Fugate isn't to blame for the "bad writing" in season 2 even though she only just left the show, then it's kind of hard to say she should be credited for anything good in season 1, don't you think? You can't have it both ways.

Think what you will, but these posts (mine and others') that simply point out that Fugate was never in charge of the direction of the show are not slams, they're simple statements of fact. She was never, ever the showrunner. That is the title of the person who is in charge of the show, and she's never held that title. Most first-time show creators don't get that title. Nothing extraordinary there.

What is extraordinary is that the show needed four different showrunners just to get it through its second season. But if it's easier to believe that has to do with Lifetime hating female show creators, go for it.

A Sat, Aug 23, 2008 at 11:14 AM EST

Think it's sad too this bizarre vendetta against Katherine Fugate. Why does someone want to try and ruin someone's name with these angry taunts? I'm so glad I never wanted to be in show business.

Binky's Bad Attitude Sat, Aug 23, 2008 at 11:10 AM EST

These low-blow personal attacks on Fugate really speak for themselves.

Fugate is not to blame for the bad writing in Season 2, yet she seems to be the go-to fall guy this week.

Who will be tarred and feathered next as the ratings keep falling and the fans keep speaking out about the cliched storylines and their disapppointment?

Binky Fri, Aug 22, 2008 at 07:47 PM EST

Dee Johnson came on board at the beginning of season two after TWO OTHER SHOWRUNNERS had come and gone because they could not work with Fugate. (And those who say season 1 was great but is now terrible because a man is in charge should know that a male showrunner got the show through most of season 1.) Johnson, too, was gone before long, which may make ARMY WIVES a record-holder for having four different showrunners before even a handful of season two episodes had been shot. As others have said, Fugate was never the showrunner and, therefore, never in control of the direction of the show.

Reply to A Fri, Aug 22, 2008 at 05:17 PM EST

Biank wrote the book, not the series. On her website and on the show credits, she was consultant not a writer. Dee Johnson came on board for the second season, so that leaves Fugate alone on Season 1. Love it or hate it, Season 1 was the creator's vision and it is the season Lifetime wanted changed and went in a new direction on Season 2.

A Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 05:40 PM EST

What person(s) developed the storylines and characters the first season? Katherine Fugate? Tanya Biank? Dee Johnson? Someone Else? Season 1 of Army Wives was interesting and unique, it may not have been Shakespeare, but it was appointment television on Sunday night. Conflicts and tensions may have transpired behind the scenes last season, yet that dysfunctional group managed to deliver good stories and interesting characters. Things may be smoother behind the scenes this season, but with a few exceptions, things have taken a serious downturn with regards to the characters and storytelling. I wish that those who contributed to Season 1's greatness could figure out how to get along and work together to put the show back on track.

Jloringer Tue, Aug 19, 2008 at 10:34 PM EST

PLEASE stop botoxing the ladies lips. They look like a bunch of Ubangies!!!!!!!!!!

Cindylu27 Tue, Aug 19, 2008 at 03:50 PM EST

This is the best show ever!!!! I love it!!! I wish I was an army wife!!!

Frances Mon, Aug 18, 2008 at 11:10 AM EST

Sorry about below. I wanted to say that this makes NO sense. Thanks.

Frances Mon, Aug 18, 2008 at 11:08 AM EST

I want Lifetime to know that we stopped watching the show midway in Season 2. What was once a creative and original series turned into a mess. The stories had no continuity and they were poorly written and ended up to be a waste of my time. They are obviously male-dominated stories now and the women are doormats and not important anymore. There is little relevance to Army life, which is what made the series unique. I understand that the creator was let go. This makes sense to release the person that obviously made the series what it was. Lifetime messed up bigtime!

Frank Sun, Aug 17, 2008 at 03:06 PM EST

I'm sure this is important to the cast and families of those involved, but exactly how is it of any importance to anyone else?

Sondra Sat, Aug 16, 2008 at 03:58 PM EST

I am so glad that someone finally made a show that shows how it is for the wives in a military. I'm looking forward to watching the rest of this season. I do think they could have left out the scene where the girls kissed while their husbands were away. That has nothing to do with this show. That happens in civilian life too.

jane Sat, Aug 16, 2008 at 08:18 AM EST

It takes time for a show to develop into greatness. I wonder about the loss of its developer in the first place. Look back at all the great TV shows that ran so long. the second season has a slow start but I am hanging in there -it is the only thing worth watching. it is a great script for women. it shows the family side to our military -what they go through. the bonding of unlikely women is what made it so I hope they listen to us on that. They have to have an incredible support system to survive the military. It also showcases a woman in charge - Joan's character and that a woman can be in top leadership, pregnant and with help and support do both. This is what we have fought for. American Dreams was another great show to watch - it really brought into today's view our past, the 50s and 60s and showing how we got to where we are today. Brilliant! bec people want to see reality shows paris hilton, top winner of god knows what. Top dog gromer- disgusting I am so tired of it al

Jeanne Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 04:58 AM EST

I just love ARMY WIFES this is the best show I have seen in a long time. I did notice there was a change with some of the show and people. thanks so much for creating this show.

IVA Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 02:53 AM EST

I love (ARMYWIVES) and I hope that keeps going. It is GREAT and everyone on it is GREAT.

Jessica Thu, Aug 14, 2008 at 11:06 PM EST

To FemaleTVWriter: I am not sure what you are trying to say, but anyone who visits Katherine's website and has read her writings there, knows her voice was absolutely the guiding light of the show during the first season and that's why it was such a hit. It was unique and not like other TV shows.

The second season is so not her, and now we know why there has been such a difference. Like the old saying goes, it wasn't broke, so they should not never fixed it.

Good luck, Katherine! You have already been missed.

Jubellant Thu, Aug 14, 2008 at 07:12 PM EST

Just curious FemaleTVWriter of these shows that are 'run' by females, do they really have clout or is it all just fine as long as they follow the company line?

FemaleTVWriter Thu, Aug 14, 2008 at 06:51 PM EST

Fans should know that Fugate hasn't been the guiding force behind the stories on the show -- ever. Not first season, not second season. She was never the showrunner. She was never in charge. And if you think women don't run TV shows, you need to look around again. Many of the top-rated shows on TV are run by women. Fugate's firing has nothing to do with her being a woman.

da-kernal Thu, Aug 14, 2008 at 02:56 PM EST

More from da Kernal..

But have really enjoyed Catherine Bell as she has portrayed and developed as a Marine lawyer and officer. Am sure she will be equally delightful as an Army wife..

da-kernal Thu, Aug 14, 2008 at 02:51 PM EST

Never watch the show...As a retired soldier (22 years) and having been brought up in an Army household, I found that Army wives are just like civilian wives..only the husbands are the weird ones.

Jennifer Thu, Aug 14, 2008 at 01:42 PM EST

As far as I'm concerned, this explains a lot. From the pilot on, I was addicted throughout season 1. Season 2? Fugget about it. The plots are more TV movie than most TV movies. The characters have changed drastically, and overnight.
I understand that Army Wives has never been great TV. But it was good TV, something that was fresh and entertaining. That was before it warped into the melodramatic, cliche-ridden monster it's become.
Katherine Fugate, sorry to see you go.
But I'll look forward to see what you come up with next.
As for Army Wives? Au Revoir. This is one (former) viewer who has shipped out.

Jubellant Thu, Aug 14, 2008 at 12:59 PM EST

It is so difficult to comment blindly but Katherine certainly initiated a show which for me was so different right out of the box. Except in dire circumstances I am not overjoyed when someone's successful creation is muscled out of their hands once the mold has been set and the hard work done. I thank you for your vision Katherine and for laying down the groundwork. I am saddened by your departure.

Don Jariyasunant Thu, Aug 14, 2008 at 11:57 AM EST

Also, I think Season 2 has really developed Denise and Joan's characters alot compared to season 1 when they focused primarily on Roxy and Claudia Joy. Pamela has actually grown as a character as well.

BTW, Army Wives was already renewed for a season 3, so there's no need to worry about it getting cancelled.

We still have alot more episodes left this season. Remember, we're getting 19 episodes this season (almost a network TV type order)

Don Jariyasunant Thu, Aug 14, 2008 at 11:46 AM EST

A Showrunner is the head Executive Producer who handles the day to day operation of the show. I believe they approve scripts, hire and probably has to deal with the network and studio alot. Fugate was not the showrunner, as Ausiello mentions Nick Thiel is. I disagree with those of you who aren't feeling season 2. I'm really enjoying it.

Thu, Aug 14, 2008 at 11:26 AM EST

Maureen's thoughts/comment echo mine.

"Maureen Thu, Aug 14, 2008 at 09:27 AM EST
Interesting how the corporate suits apparently didn't want a woman having anything to do with running a drama about women and for women."

Too often this is the way things transpire in the corporate world when a talented woman instigates something creative. After a "decent interval" she is sacked (with great praise but...) and replaced by one or more males ("old boys club").

Women still have a long way to go to beat these odds. And men are nothing if not smart in the ways they keep women subordinant while seeming to encourage, praise and include them. And Maureen is also right about men wanting to control things like "entertainment" by and for women.

Now my reenforcing of Maureen's comments will probably set off livelier (and more caustic) comments. Particularly from the guys who watch this show mainly for the eye candy. Getting the guys to watch for the eye candy might be the main point, hm?

peggy Thu, Aug 14, 2008 at 10:58 AM EST

I have to agree with those who say this show isn't what it use to be. The first few episodes this season were great, some of the best tv I have seen lately but after that it has really gotten boring and very predicatable.

Greekgoddess Thu, Aug 14, 2008 at 10:27 AM EST

As a woman, I have to say that Fugate's departure is really no big loss. Maybe now the show will be watchable.

Maureen Thu, Aug 14, 2008 at 09:27 AM EST

Interesting how the corporate suits apparently didn't want a woman having anything to do with running a drama about women and for women.

Nina Thu, Aug 14, 2008 at 08:58 AM EST

I think this show is great! I dont miss a single episode and I would be very disappointed if it were to get canceled!! I think anyone who doesnt care for it obviously isnt really watching it cause its a powerful moving show that draws me in more and more with ever episode!

Sue Thu, Aug 14, 2008 at 08:31 AM EST

"I've seen this term, but I don't know what it means - what is a 'show runner'? donner Wed, Aug 13, 2008"

I believe a show runner is the executive producer. The person who basically "runs the show".

Mike Thu, Aug 14, 2008 at 08:13 AM EST

I have to add to the second season disappointment. And as someone pointed out, it was never a GREAT show, but it was entertaining with moments reaching beyond that. This season has been sort of blah and I've found myself missing episodes and not really caring. I'm wondering if it has anything to do with the wives not interacting as much as a group - which was really prevalent the first season. This year, they all occasionally get together, but it's really just a couple of characters touching base with each other each episode while they all have their own separate stories (kind of like the mistake Desperate Housewives made the second year).

Thu, Aug 14, 2008 at 08:02 AM EST

great show to watch, Catherine Bell is gorgeous!!!!!

Thu, Aug 14, 2008 at 08:01 AM EST

Catherine Bell is hot!!!!!!!

Mandi Thu, Aug 14, 2008 at 03:03 AM EST

I'm not sure how long Fugate has been out of the loop, but this season has been pretty horrible so far. Since probably the second episode of season 2, the series has felt unfocused. I don't see that improving without Fugate.

Irene Thu, Aug 14, 2008 at 02:41 AM EST

I think it is a great series, heck there just showing Arm life is no different then an ordinary life is. If some people call it garbage I advise you not to watch the news, get my drift. All you here is about someone getting shot, drugs etc...

Michele Wed, Aug 13, 2008 at 11:06 PM EST

The behind the scenes drama has been clear and so has the lack of vision this season. I adored the show last year. This season it has been a mess but alas the ratings have still been good so they will keep making garbage.

The ensemble and heart have been lacking and the stunt plots have been horrible. Suppose with studios running things it's not surprising. I look forward to seeing where Fugate lands.

donner Wed, Aug 13, 2008 at 10:54 PM EST

I've seen this term, but I don't know what it means - what is a 'show runner'?

DanOregon Wed, Aug 13, 2008 at 08:46 PM EST

The show was never great to begin with and I think they're quickly running out of ideas. It's become a weekly Lifetime movie: My kid is on drugs, My kid hits me, blah, blah, blah. I only watch for the eye candy of Delany, Brannagh, Bell and the blonde lady. Yummy.

DanOregon Wed, Aug 13, 2008 at 08:45 PM EST

The show was never great to begin with and I think they're quickly running out of ideas. It's become a weekly Lifetime movie: My kid is on drugs, My kid hits me, blah, blah, blah. I only watch for the eye candy of Delany, Brannagh, Bell and the blonde lady. Yummy.

DanOregon Wed, Aug 13, 2008 at 08:44 PM EST

The show was never great to begin with and I think they're quickly running out of ideas. It's become a weekly Lifetime movie: My kid is on drugs, My kid hits me, blah, blah, blah. I only watch for the eye candy of Delany, Brannagh, Bell and the blonde lady. Yummy.

Lisa Wed, Aug 13, 2008 at 08:22 PM EST

If Fugate is not to blame, who IS to blame for this show going so downhill from last year to this year?

Joan Adams Wed, Aug 13, 2008 at 07:54 PM EST

Hmm, since I was watching this because I'm a fan of Katherine Fugate's work, I'm not sure this will still be as good without her.

Don Jariyasunant Wed, Aug 13, 2008 at 07:36 PM EST

Well besides writing a few episodes, I don't think she was involved with the day to day production of the show. Plus, Thiel has a good writing staff. This is nothing new with creators being forced out or choosing to leave their shows.

Wed, Aug 13, 2008 at 06:49 PM EST

Wow. Guess we know who the real talent behind the scenes is NOT.

Fey Tuscan Truffle Pig Wed, Aug 13, 2008 at 06:32 PM EST

Thanks for the info!