"Miracles" Fan Samantha Nicholson wrote a terrific and heartfelt account of what the show "Miracles" has meant to her. We'll let her poignant post speak for itself -- the full text of her entry can be found here.
Also, as the winner of our contest among dozens of entrants, Samantha also received her very own signed copy of "The Friendly Skies," signed by both Richard Hatem and David Greenwalt!
Further Congratulations to the Contest Runners Up/Finalists as well!
Thanks to all the amazing fans who entered -- the semifinalists included the following "Miracles" fans. Some of our favorite submissions are available below.
Angela Uvalle
Dessiree Kennedy
Hajra Omarshalb
Greg Kigar
Dean & Lavonne Andersen
Kate Devine
Laudat1
Mike Newton
Abby Kohn
Jo Wickham
Wducebigalo
WINNING POST:
Message From: Samantha Nicholson
When I think of why "Miracles" was such a great show, several reasons immediately come to mind: High production quality, outstanding writers, the perfect cast... these are just a few.
However, "Miracles" to me was much more than a television program. It was a place to seek inspiration and solace.
For the past couple of years I have been on a personal quest to find out who I really am. I've been questioning my behaviors and beliefs, exploring the light and dark sides of my soul. I ask questions like: "What kind of person am I? Who do I aspire to be? Why am I here? Does anything really matter?" It's an extremely difficult experience to deal with, and it's easy to be swallowed up by the depths of depression.
It seems that the questions are the easy part of the quest. Finding and accepting the answers is sometimes very difficult. One thing that keeps my head above the water, however, is the fact that I am not alone with my heavy inquiries. "Miracles" was my proof of that.
For me the show was all about the characters--Paul Callan, in particular. I strongly identified with him because he seemed to be in the same place in his life that I was in. He was fighting a battle between his heart and mind. He was asking the all-important question "why am I here?" He, too, was wading through the darkness in order to find the light.
I saw myself in Paul. It was reassuring to have a kindred spirit out there somewhere, even if it was a fictional character on a television show. "Miracles" will always be in my mind as a program that truly made an impact on me. It dared to be different. It dared to approach topics that many people simply don't want to face. It made the viewer exercise his brain.
In this time when seedy "reality" shows dominate the airwaves, it is a shame that a quality program like "Miracles" gets canceled. “Miracles" was more real to me than anything else on television.
Samantha Nicholson
SEMIFINALIST SUBMISSIONS:
Message From: Angela Uvalle (Purplefairy)
What do I love about Miracles?
I think a big reason is that the show came out at a time when I was going through some personal changes. I was questioning my own faith, and found it hard at times to let go of what I used to believe was true.
When I first watched, and I saw the character Paul Callan struggling with his own questions about his faith, and his struggle to find the strength to go against the religion he grew up believing, it really interested me. I found myself wanting to know how he would face this new world he was suddenly exposed to. It helped me realize that I can’t base my faith on what others tell me is right, that I have to follow my heart and figure out the right path for me.
As the show went on, I fell in love with each of the main characters. Evelyn, Alva and Paul all complemented each other, and had grace and chemistry.
Miracles became my favorite show because it was so different and thought-provoking. So many of the shows on TV right now are so juvenile and unintelligent, and this show just blew me away with its intelligence and creative storylines. The beautiful cinematography was only one of the many elements of the show, which would not have flowed so beautifully without the talented cast and the brilliant stories. Together, the outcome was amazing.
Beneath all of the reasons I just said, I think that what made me fall in love with the show was my undeniable belief in miracles. The name of the show intrigued me from the beginning, but it wasn’t until its very unfortunate cancellation by ABC that I realized what a miracle the show really was. It brought so many amazing people together who all have one thing in common -- their love for the show and their hope to get it back.
Because Miracles wasn’t given a chance to shine, I feel like it’s a little secret I hold inside me. I just hope that one day the secret will be revealed, and others will be given the chance to experience the unique show that I fell in love with -- and fall in love with it too.
Message From: Dessiree Kennedy
I just want to say that I love Monday nights on Living TV, thanks to Miracles.
The best part for me is when something strange happens, and Paul does that thing with his face like he has just felt the hairs standing up on the back of his neck. My sisters and I never miss an episode, and every time he does that, we get goose bumps all over! The other night, I begged my mother to stay up and watch it with us. Then Paul got that expression on his face, and my mother turned to us and said, “Oh my God, I’ve got goose bumps all over.” It never fails.
I love every cool episode, and love that knowing that I am going to get that little rush where I’m completely spooked. When you have the shivers down your spine as if someone is walking over your grave.
Sometimes we will go for a drive after Miracles if we need something from the shop, and all the way there and back we pretend we see things to make each other scream. It’s such a natural high to be spooked, something the show does very well.
Miracles is just cool, cool, cool. Well done to all involved, you are all brilliant!
Dessiree Kennedy (25)
Dublin, Ireland.
[MiraclesHQ Note: Miracles is shown on UK’s Living TV on Sky One (cable and satellite), at 10 p.m. Mondays]
From: Greg Kigar
What 'Miracles' means to me?
It's a very simple question and answer. It makes me think.
Good, bad or indifferent, each episode of the show made me think about what is, or might be, possible. Whether it’s a show for everyone to like or not, we are all worse off without it.
I don't know what I'll miss the most -- the shows that were made and won't be seen again (unless DVD comes through) or the shows that were never made and the intrigue we will be without.
Shame on television for not having any foresight into the possibilities.
Message From: laudat1
Subject: Miracles TV Show Meaning
I can only say that the first episode of Miracles left me awestruck, and I was hopelessly hooked.
The cast were fantastic, but let’s face it they were all terrific actors -- too good probably for TV.
Unfortunately I believe this is why the American TV networks cancelled it -- I am English and therefore not up on American TV politics -- but what I have seen on TV screens in the UK is that anything remotely intelligent or religious gets sideswiped or dumped because they do not believe TV viewers can comprehend it. They therefore bombard us with rubbish such as reality TV shows.
It is such a shame about the cancellation, not for the actors or writers, because they are too good not to find work elsewhere – but for us the TV audience, who has once again been deprived of watching an intelligent and entertaining TV show.
Message From: Hajra Omarshah
I am a Paediatric Nurse, and a Muslim woman living in London. I rush home every Monday with a spring in my step, happily anticipating the evening's episode of Miracles.
This program is so above the daily and depressing news churned out about war and terrorism. This show takes me to higher level!
It’s an intriguing drama/supernatural/thriller, it does not offend anyone, and holds a resonance for those who believe that there is a higher purpose, a higher being, challenging us all to think about a deeper purpose for us being here.
I love this show. Please, someone, bring it back.
AND -- More Mail from across the Globe
Miracles Fans Speak Out!
Across the world, more fans are discovering Miracles every day. The following is just a sampling of that correspondence (February – April 2004)
Message From: Mike Newton
Hello, My wife and I have just finished watching the first episode of 'Miracles'. I immediately ran to the computer to find out if it had been renewed as it was so good.
Yet again what looks to be a brilliant and intellignet series about the Paranormal/Supernatural in the style of 'The Others (TV Series)', has been cancelled, the series deserves to live, it has a wonderful cast, and if series like 'Poltergeist' can be made then why not Miracles.
Thank you from a soon to be expanding British following.
Mike Newton
Message From: Abby Kohn
Hello Fellow Miracles Watchers,
Just wanted to let you know that I caught the show last night here in
Sydney, and was once again fascinated and thrilled to be seeing it. What a
fantastic show - I'll see if I can write Gail Berman a note and plead with
her to pick up the show again. Keep up the good work - god I miss
intelligent television. Save me from Neighbors!!
Cheers,
Abby Kohn
Message From: Franchise University
Miracles is a very popular show airing now on Living TV, which is shown in the UK at 10:00 pm. Living is part of the standard package for SKY Cable in the UK.
We have an office of 100 very diverse backgrounds and cultures. 38% watch the show.
I was very surprised to hear the show was cancelled. Tough break for a great show with a strong and deep story line.
Message From: Jo Wickham
After watching the fourth episode of my new favourite show 'Miracles' on TV (UK Living) I decided I would see what info there is on it on the Net.
I CAN'T BELIEVE it was pulled in the USA after just six episodes -- I am DISTRAUGHT!
'Miracles' is one of the most intelligent and brilliantly crafted television programmes I have ever had the pleasure of watching. Its storylines are engrossing and its characters convincing (I am an acting teacher - surely that gives my comments some credibility!?) If I don't discover what Paul Callan’s destiny is, I think I will self-combust!
I have NEVER been this passionate about a television show in my LIFE! I have never written to a network or a show’s creators voicing my support. 'Miracles' is indeed special and should be saved!
Yours faithfully,
Jo Wickham
P.S. -- God is Now Here
Message From: Hajra Omarshah
Sent to TRIO TV:
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am sending this email to you, because I have been visiting the website for the campaign to save the show "miracles."
The programme was aired in England on Sky' Living TV channel, and alas, the last episode was aired Monday 12/04/04.
I am absolutely devastated! It was such an interesting drama/supernatural/thriller, based on a really interesting premise of the after life, God, people's beliefs etc. This storyline is new and absolutely awesome!
I am reliably informed that where ABC were incredibly dimwitted, to say the least, to cancel the show, you could be persuaded to commission another series, and another, and another!!! OH, please do!
The last episode even ended on a cliffhanger!
How could any TV company be so irresponsible!!!!!! It’s like, after I’ve read the first few chapters of a fantastic novel, ABC has snatched the book from me and torn it up! Would JK Rowling behave in this outrageous manner?! No.
Please start work on it straight away, assemble the original cast and make another series. I don't understand it, if there is a winning formula why not milk it for all it’s worth. I know I'm not the only one who feels this way. I'm told that you've won some awards for being the TV or production company of the moment, with the most forward-thinking ideas etc. Well, how about making ABC feel sick to its gut for making a decision that has resulted in them losing so much money?
I have now joined the "campaign to save and bring back the show Miracles.” Could you please reply to my e-mail? Just bring back "Miracles!” This is your chance to prove that you are an organisation with vision! I remain your most humble fan!
Ms Hajra Omarshah
Message From: WDucebigalo
Keep…
up the good work!
I have been a great fan of the series, not missing a single episode and after watching the last episode last night on Living TV, came on to see if I could find news of the next series only to find it cancelled.
I’m absolutely gutted, and hope all your good work ends in a change of mind – to keep this quality show alive!!!
Message From: Tim Sumiec
Loved your latest newsletter. I know how difficult it is to do this and appreciate your efforts. In viewing your new web site, it lists the places that Miracles currently appears on TV - in the UK and Canada. Has there been any progress on bringing it to a cable station here in the states? Is there anyway of getting a tape of the shows being played in the UK and Canada? I am sure that they are well past the 5-6 shows played in the States before it left the air. How many shows have been played abroad? Do they continue to make shows? How popular is it in the UK and Canada?
Thanks for everything!!!
Tim
Message From: Dean Andersen
We love the TV show Miracles and we watch it on the Vision Network in Canada. It was a show we stumbled onto by accident a couple of months ago and we have be captivated ever since. After watching tonights espisode I thought I would find out more about it on the internet. I'm shocked to find out only 13 shows were shown. that relavation actually makes my wife and I very side. Please produce more shows :-).
Dean & Lavonne Andersen
Okotoks, AB
Message From: Mike Newton
Hello,
My wife and I have just finished watching the first episode of 'Miracles'. I immediately ran to the computer to find out if it had been renewed as it was so good.
Yet again, what looks to be a brilliant and intellignet series about the Paranormal/Supernatural in the style of 'The Others (TV Series)', has been cancelled. The series deserves to live, it has a wonderful cast -- and if series like 'Poltergeist' can be made, then why not Miracles?
Thank you from a soon to be expanding British following.
Mike Newton
Message From: Kate Devine
Firstly I would like to congratulate you on a first rate web site which of course went straight onto my favourites list.
Secondly I would like to thank everyone who have been working so hard to get Miracles re-established. I live in the UK and we have only now started to receive Miracles.
Although I missed the 1st episode, due to not seeing any promos for it, I caught the 2nd episode when I final saw an advert while watching “Charmed.” Within a few minutes I was hooked.
What a breath of fresh air this series is. The story lines are fascinating and keep you gripped all the way through. And what can I say about the acting except that it is superb? You find yourself really caring about the characters, a combination that is all too rare with most new dramas.
I found myself unable to wait a whole week without my dose of Miracles so I went on the Net to find out more about it (and since we're always about a year behind the US on these sorts of shows, I was hoping that it might even be out on DVD). You can imagine my horror at discovering that it had in fact been cancelled.
For the next couple of days depression set in until I came upon your site and found that there were people out there fighting for it. I know that I may be late joining this fight and I don't know if there is anything I can do from across the pond in the UK but I would like to join with my brave fellow warriors in the US and hopefully from other nations in an attempt to re-commission this absolutely unmissable drama.
Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help and could you also please tell me if there is any real hope in not only getting a network to show the whole of season 1 for you but also to go on to further seasons? If ever a show deserved to be on TV, this one is it.
If no network picks up this series, then I think we should all sue ABC for the mental anguish they have caused us, not knowing what happens next to our beloved characters.
Please thank everybody at MiracelsHQ for all their work on behalf of the Miracles team.
Kate
Message From: Beth Harrison
I've been ill for a while and missed out on some of the earlier info. I understood at one time there was a possibility of the original MIRACLES episodes being put out on DVD. I haven't seen any more about this and wonder if this is still being worked on. I saw where in Australia, there's going to be a new episode airing - that's not fair! Thanks in advance for your response.
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