W.E.B.

W.E.B. was one of the many failed shows NBC had in the late 1970s, while the network was wallowing in dead last in the ratings. Unfortunately W.E.B. was a very good show, but never gained any audience. I was in high school when W.E.B. was on and not one of my friends saw W.E.B. Pamela Bellwood was great as a young t.v. executive that was given the chance to run network programming after taking the last place network (sound familiar?) to the top spot in daytime programming. Hoping she could do the same for prime time, the network gave her the chance. This would be a great story for today - young and beautiful t.v. exec jumps to the front office and has to fight off spurned male executives to keep her position and continue quality programming.

The clothes and the likes are really the only thing that date this film. 35 years old, and it still holds up well. No CGI featured, and none required. I have not read the book of this film, so I cannot say if it is an accurate adaptation, in the spirit of the original. I will say that it is a well-produced piece of fiction. The plot is quite good. The writing is good, and has very realistic, great moments. Dialog is well-done, and delivered equally well. The characters are credible and well-written. There is a reasonable amount of development and background for them. The special effects are undeniably excellently done. They are convincing throughout. Nature itself becomes the threat, with realistic physics. The camera-work and editing are nicely done, save for an awkward cut or two. Cinematography is effective. The pacing is solid for the whole film. As far as the technical aspect goes, the film is great. The acting is of high quality.

This was on in the late seventies when Fred Silverman took over as president at NBC, after taking CBS and then ABC each to first place. His programming, in my opinion, was a mix of excellent shows and lousy shows. He helped cement NBC in third place and kept them there for a while (Hello Larry and Pink Lady and Jeff: remember those???) . WEB was one of the better shows. Too bad it didn't take off in the ratings to number one. Excellent cast, stories, and guests. Just too few episodes.