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Blizzard Sprite writes...

Hello. I'm a first time poster on this site, though I've been browsing it for months, reading the archives so I don't ask an already answered question. I had seen sporadic episodes of Gargoyles when I was much younger, and so I never got to enjoy the benefits of the continuing and developing storylines. It wasn't until I actually watched the entire Gargoyle series over the summer on DVR on Disney that I got finally understood my sister's pure delight in the fantastic franchise. When looking for more information on Gargoyles, I came across this place. My question really pertains to characterization of a few characters, though I’ll submit the other questions separately so this isn’t constrewed as posting one question with separate topics.

One aspect of the Gargoyles series that really stands out is the diversity of the characters in terms of ethnicity. One of the main characters, Eliza, is of African American and Native American descent. I think that was one of the factors that made the series so good. The show was definitely progressive in that aspect.

1. I was wondering if there were any challenges in pitching a show whose main human character was of color?
2. Were there certain things that you weren’t allowed to do, or topics that were generally avoided, such as active discrimination and racism against Eliza or any of the other characters of color on the show?
3. Was there any doubt amongst yourself or perhaps the channel executives that Caucasian viewers would be unable to relate to a protagonist of color?

I understand the question might come off as offensive, but I do ask out of genuine interest.

Thank you for your time, Mr. Weisman.

Greg responds...

1. Nope. No problem. When we pitched the series, Elisa was Elisa Chavez and Hispanic. Then we cast Salli Richardson and altered her ethnicity to match Salli's. But there were never any challenges about either Elisa Chavez or Elisa Maza.

2. Nope. Though we preferred to address those things metaphorically, i.e. from the Gargoyles/Humans perspective, as opposed to Black/White or whatever.

3. Nope. Never crossed my mind.

Response recorded on December 02, 2010