Dashboard's MacGyver Reboot Update #24

Only four Episodes left on Season 1. Are you sad about the impending Finale? Don't be, because a great villain of the original show will make an appearance!

Episode 18: Flashlight (via SpoilerTV)

(Spoiler Alert: You will get spoilered by reading this post and its comments or by clicking on the links provided!)


Gearing up for the Finale
Yesterday evening I've written following part as my introduction for this update:

It’s been oddly quiet on social media recently. It might just be the calm before the next cycle of promo (for the crossover episode with Hawaii Five-0) hits us like an earthquake. (See what I did there? Haha.) 

Well, it's already started. Just a few hours ago, Entertainment Weekly released the first promo trailer for Episode 18 (Flashlight).

Otherwise, it IS more quiet than usual; probably because Cast and Crew are busy with scouting, filming and editing while Executive Producer Peter Lenkov is preparing to produce another TV show this Summer (does this man ever sleep?).

Production should wrap up around mid-March. Justin Hires already sent out his invitation for a MacGyver Wrap Party Comedy Show on March 18.

For the last four episodes, there seem to be good things (and characters) waiting on the horizon. Lenkov himself revealed some interesting tidbits; e.g. that the Finale will explain some more about Cairo. On another (and kinda disappointing) note, we'll get an episode less than expected because Episode 21 (Cigar Cutter) will be the Season Finale. Fans of the original show can rejoyce, though because none other than Dr. Zito will show up! I'm really curious who they've cast for this role. 

BtS of Episode 19 (via Shannon Thomas)

Working on Episodes 18, 19 and 20
We haven't seen many pictures of the filming process of Episodes 19 (title still unknown) and 20 (Hole Puncher), despite production filming outside several times (e.g. at Grant Park, at Morehouse College posing for MIT and at East Lake Golf Club) during the last two weeks. The few pics of the main cast so far are of Lucas Till and George Eads; George rendering fans starstruck and posing on what looks like a hospital set. Justin Hires shared a short video of the Golf Set, both him and Tristin Mays wearing golf gear. Hopefully, they're not looking for another Malaysian doctor to help with on-the-fly-surgery.

The fact that there will be a rerun of the Murdoc-Episode tonight (1x08: Corkscrew) gives Peter Lenkov some more time for the editing process on the crossover episode (1x18: Flashlight). Thanks to his Instagram Live Story on March 2, we finally know where that cute dog will show up. 

Premieres of Episodes 16 and 17
Ratings have been falling. Episode 16 (Hook) had 7.24 million viewers (along with a 0.9 rating in the 18-49 demo group). Last week’s episode (Ruler) even earned the lowest ratings of the entire season so far (6.93 million viewers), but did better in the very important 18-49 demo group (1.1).

BtS of Episode 17: Ruler (via Deborah Mace)

Both times, the Hashtag #MacGyver has been trending again while the writers engaged in live tweetings. For the premiere of Episode 16, "Billy Colton" Lance Gross joined the writer's office.

So far, we haven’t heard anything official about a possible season renewal, and while the crossover episode with Hawaii Five-0 will most likely get good ratings, it’s probably more important that the remaining three episodes manage to pull high numbers.

While many think a season renewal is a given, it's interesting to note that both Lucas and George (who's never on social media anymore) have urged people to watch the newest episodes to rise the numbers.

Lucas, Justin, the Stand-Ins and crew members along with the Colton-Cast posted many never-seen-before BtS pics (e.g. of the location scouting) and videos (e.g. of the blue-van-kaboom) to make us curious about the newest episodes. There was a LOT going on on social media during the premieres, so I was a bit surprised about the lower ratings.

BtS Episode 17: Ruler (via Tristin Mays / CBS)

Stills and Sneak Peeks
As for the last episodes, there was no new preview trailer for Episodes 16 or 17. We got stills and sneak peeks for Episode 17 (Ruler), though and stills and the above-mentioned preview trailer for Episode 18 (Flashlight).

Crossover Interviews and Other Promo
Several outlets have visited Lucas and George on set of the crossover episode. The Insider played lazy and let the two guys interview each other. ET Canada pretended to be disappointed about the set visit. No beaches, palm trees or guys with their shirts off - I guess they had a point.

On February 22, CBS Watch! Magazine released the BtS video of their photoshoot with Lucas and George. The interview with Justin Hires is also available to read on the website now.

Technical Advisor Rhett Allain posted some more learning videos; e.g. about "How to use Magnets like Mac".

Poster Promo Shoot (via Nick Tortorici)

This week, some pictures have surfaced from the Poster Promo Shoot. In case you ever wondered why I've never posted a picture of the official poster (besides the wall painting on Hotel Figueroa) in any of my updates: I hate it. It's so overly photoshopped and makes Lucas look like a snotty, smirking, bratty jerk. So it was a nice surprise to see a "real" BtS picture of Lucas hanging with that parachute (looks so much better!) and to know the crew also had a lot of fun doing this shoot.

aTVfest Appearance
As mentioned in my last update, Lucas, Tristin and Justin had made an appearance at aTVfest on February 4, attending a Q&A Panel along with Peter Lenkov and Jeff Downer. If you want to check it out, you can watch the full panel over here.

The most interesting part for me was Peter Lenkov talking about the role he had intended Richard Dean Anderson to play (starts at Minute 22). For fans of the original show, it's not that much of a surprise (although it's not the most obvious of the most likely choices, either).

aTVfest (via Tristin Mays)

Lenkov also revealed that the character of Bozer initially really had been planned as the comedic relief and unsuspecting roommate-slash-best friend, but talking to Justin Hires had made him revise the character and integrate him into the Phoenix Foundation.

Cast and Character News
Central Casting Georgia has been looking for a lot of Extras the last few weeks; e.g. for college students, business people, men with military or tactical experience, Asian golfers, reporters, LAPD, Baseball fans, agents, techs, a waiter and a waitress, patrons and for a "Caucasian looking Brunette woman" for a still photo shoot that will be playing the wife of an actor.

Interesting to note: Sandrine Holt was listed for Episode 19 on IMDb, but her credit has mysteriously disappeared. I really hope she’s coming back this season because her storyline has never been wrapped up to my satisfaction (and it probably never will as long as they keep her being a traitor). Her usual Stand-In (Briana Lamb) has been back on set, so I’m really hoping.

Episode 19 (via Anthony Kountz)

Also, another Original MacGyver alumn has been seen on set: François Chau who played the character "Chi" in Episode 7x05 (The Coltons). I have to admit I don't really remember his role, but I've seen him in several episodes of "Lost".

As mentioned above, Dr. Zito will make an appearance in the Season Finale. Two villains for the finale seems a bit much, but there's a chance we'll get to see Murdoc an episode sooner because David Dastmalchian has been in Atlanta recently.