Photo credit: www.goldderby.com
Mike White has garnered significant attention for his acclaimed show The White Lotus, but his first television venture, Pasadena, surprisingly often goes unmentioned. This prime-time soap, which aired on Fox, showcases many of the trademarks that have come to define White’s work, including intrigue, family dynamics, and the moral complexities of privilege. Despite its early promise, Pasadena lasted only four episodes before it was canceled due to poor ratings.
Pasadena, a series named after White’s California hometown, revolved around the wealthy Greeley family, led by matriarch Catherine, portrayed by Dana Delany. Following the shocking murder witness of her daughter Lily (Alison Lohman), dark family secrets are revealed, creating a web of deceit and tension. The show featured notable actors such as Martin Donovan, Balthazar Getty, and Diane Keaton, who directed the pilot. Although it received positive critical reviews at its debut on September 28, 2001, the series was abruptly taken off the air after only four episodes. Although all thirteen episodes were produced, the series was only shown in full once on SoapNet in 2005, and plans for a DVD release never materialized, making it difficult for audiences to access its content anytime in the past two decades.
In a recent article for Vanity Fair, screenwriter Mark B. Perry, who worked as showrunner on Pasadena, shared insights about White’s initial foray into television. Perry, a seasoned writer with credits on shows like The Wonder Years and Picket Fences, was impressed with White’s ability and vision. Here are three lessons that emerged from this lesser-known project.
1. The Evolution of Writing
Perry recalled his initial excitement meeting White, commenting that he enjoyed the first script he wrote for Pasadena—the fourth episode. However, after submitting it, White expressed his desire to keep the show aligned with his vision, rewriting not only Perry’s script but all others that came from the writers’ room. While this process initially left the team feeling disheartened, White’s insistence on solo credits for each writer ensured their contributions were recognized. Perry noted that this approach ultimately benefited the team, allowing them to take pride in being part of White’s groundbreaking project.
2. The Challenges of Network Interference
Filming for Pasadena was initially planned to take place in the city itself, but Fox executives opted for Vancouver to save costs. Perry, who transitioned into a producer role, found himself trying to maintain the show’s authenticity amid growing network pressures. Attempts to preserve the series’ essence in its interiors showcased White’s vision, while appeasing network demands to alter design elements. One notable conflict arose over a scene involving Delany’s character and an unconventional security guard, which executives insisted be reworked to feature a more conventional love interest, demonstrating the network’s conflicting motives between embracing White’s edgy narrative and promoting mainstream appeal.
3. Conclusion of Storylines
Despite its brief airing, White managed to resolve the show’s central mystery by the thirteenth episode, establishing a framework akin to modern limited series and streaming formats. Perry had the chance to revisit these episodes through bootleg VHS recordings, emphasizing White’s talent and affirming that Pasadena reflected not just moments of brilliance but also the complex themes that permeate his later works. It served as an early influence in White’s career, much like the formative writings of acclaimed authors that hinted at their future masterpieces.
Source
www.goldderby.com