THE NOWHERE MAN FAQ
Latest Update by Jason Conrad: 6/19/97
Last Update by Michael Keane: 11/19/95
FAQ designed by Michael Keane (aexia@u.washington.edu)
FAQ touched up and updated
by Jason Conrad (CWZY26B@prodigy.com - http://pages.prodigy.com/nowhere-man)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRO
I. Nowhere Man
1. What is Nowhere Man?
2. Who is Tom Veil?
3. Who or what are "they"?
4. Why do "they" want Veil?
5. What is "Hidden Agenda"?
6. What is this diary Tom mentions?
7. Why do "they" want the negatives?
8. In "A Rough Whimper of Insanity," what part of Tom's file could we see?
9. Who is David Powers?
10. Who is Bellamy?
11. What's with all the breaking glass?
12. Why is the show called Nowhere Man?
13. What episodes have aired thus far?
14. What are the upcoming episode titles for Nowhere Man?
15. Why was it cancelled?
II. Discussion of Nowhere Man
1. Where can I discuss Nowhere Man?
2. Who created Nowhere Man?
3. How can I let UPN know I love this show?
4. Star Trek fans are called Trekkers? What are Nowhere Man fans called?
5. What is Nowhere Man's current status?
6. Where can I get episode synopsis'?
7. What Nowhere Man websites can I go to?
8. What Nowhere Man FTP sites can I go to?
9. What are the Top Ten signs I watch Nowhere Man?
10. What are some nifty Nowhere Man anagrams?
11. Bruce Greenwood is fabulous! I want more!
OUTRO
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INTRO
Well, here it is! The FAQ. If you have any praises, complaints,
suggestions, and/or submissions, send them to:
Michael Keane: aexia@u.washington.edu or micheal.keane@tpalley.eskimo.com
Jason Conrad: CWZY26B@prodigy.com (http://pages.prodigy.com/nowhere-man)
I'll do my best to properly credit everyone who submits (first) an answer
or question. A LOT of my answers are rather sparse. I need help in filling
them out as well as getting names together.
So far, I've pulled some stuff that was posted on the newsgroup to
fill in some sections... so if something seems familiar, it can only mean
that I am trying to assume your identity by taking credit for your posts.
Now excuse me while I go prepare my cigar with a pencil...
Some abbreviations(used here and elsewhere):
a.t.n -- alt.tv.nowhere-man
TV -- Tom Veil
BG -- Bruce Greenwood
But first, a word from our sponsor:
DO NOT POST STORY IDEAS TO ALT.TV.NOWHERE-MAN!
Thank you and back to our regularly scheduled FAQ.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
I. Nowhere Man -- The Basics
1. What is Nowhere Man?
Nowhere Man is the best psychological thriller to date in MANY people's
opinion. It's an hour-long drama airing on UPN starring Bruce Greenwood
that could be seen on Mondays at 9 pm, following Star Trek: Voyager
previous to its final episode on May 20, 1996 due to cancellation.
Nowhere Man is about Thomas Veil, a photojournalist, whose identity
was erased in mere moments. After an exhibition of his photos at his
workshop, he and his wife went out to dinner to celebrate. Tom went to
the bathroom briefly and upon returning to his table, he found that his
wife was gone and the restaurant manager didn't know who he was.
Tom made his way to his house only to find himself locked out and his
wife married to someone else with no memory of Tom. Eventually, Tom was
caught by police and placed in an asylum where he was under the
"care" of Walter Bellamy, a psychiatrist, who knew more than he told.
Soon enough, Tom escaped after taking Bellamy hostage and interrogating
him. There is defintely a conspiracy and Tom was able to deduce that
"they" did this because of a photo of his, "Hidden Agenda." But, Tom's
got the negatives. Bellamy soons died when "they" attempt to recapture
Tom.
Now, Tom has to evade "them" while trying to find out what exactly
"they" want. Why do "they" want the negatives? Who are "they"? And
what's with all the breaking glass?
These answers will be revealed as the series progresses...
2. Who is Thomas Veil?
Thomas Veil is a photojournalist who is/was married to Allyson. His
black & white photos seemed to be mostly scenes of death and destruction.
He has past experience with the military, but whether it's because he
is/was a member of the armed forces or just experience dealing with
the military is unknown. He is/was an aviator or at least know's how
planes work, proper protocal, etc("Paradise on Your Doorstep").
Tom is currently going from job to job. He's worked as a 24-hr photo
clerk, a pizza delivery guy, and as a groundskeeper.
Tom is played (expertly) by Bruce Greenwood. If you have any connection
with the Emmies, subtly nominate Bruce for Best Actor in a Drama.
3. Who or what are "they"?
Evidently, a large conspiracy. "They" have the ability to brainwash
people and alter their memories ("Something about her") whenever "they"
desire someone to be erased. "They" also seem to do so without much
regard to whom "they" do it ("Paradise on Your Doorstep").
In "Turnabout," "they" tell Tom(using the identity of Bellamy) that "they"
are made up of small autonomous groups that do not have much contact with
each other. However, that story seems to be a setup to get Tom to give
"them" the negatives.
In "The Incredible Derek," it's clear that "they" have many connections in
the military and have no problems with using deadly force to eliminate
loose ends.
We really don't know much about "them" since what is revealed about "them"
could easily be a lie. However, we do know that "they" have an affinity
for cigars and like to prepare them by making a hole on the end with a
pencil.
*4*. Why do "they" want Veil?
The obvious reason would seem that Veil has something they want:
the "Hidden Agenda" negatives. But, for those of you who have
witnessed the first season's finale, "Gemini", will know that
it goes much deeper than just the negatives.
"They"'ve also had plenty of oppurtunities to kill Tom but have failed
to follow up. Do they really want him dead? Is this some kind of game?
5. What is "Hidden Agenda"?
Hidden Agenda is the name of one of Tom's photos at his exhibition. In
the Pilot, when Tom visited his workshop, the photo was missing. The
scene depicts a four men with hoods over thier heads being hanged while
a man from the military watches from his jeep.
Tom managed to track down the jeep and the man, Corners inside it in
"The Incredible Derek" but he was soon killed by "them." Corners said
he had alumnium foil on his walls "so they can't invade your space." What
this meant is unknown.
6. What is this diary Tom mentions?
In the opener of every show, Tom tells us that he keeps a diary of the
events that take place so that he knows "they are real, they have to be."
We don't know if Tom keeps the diary with him or mails it to himself and
scatters it about the country.
Some on the newsgroup have speculated that the diary may become an
even more important target for "them" than the negatives.
*7*. Why do "they" want the negatives?
"They" seem intent on destroying all traces of the Hidden Agenda photo
and by destroying the negatives, they would succeed in doing so. In
almost every episode, "they" attempt to coerce the negatives from Tom.
However, in "Spider Webb," Max Webb (one of "them") tells Tom "they" want
him and not the negatives. In "A Rough Whimper of Insanity," Scott, after
seeing Tom's file, tells him "It's not what you think!"
Tom has made copies of the negatives and mailed them to himself to
various parts of the country.
8. In "A Rough Whimper of Insanity," what bit of Tom's file we saw say?
Courtesy Kevin Reilly on a.t.n...
Stuff in paratheses are assumptions based on nearby words.
(Full) name: Thomas J. Veil
(Lega)l status: Citizen of United State(s)
(Plac)e of birth: Council Bluffs, IW
#### -54
(Mar)ital status: Married
(Kno)wn relatives: Mrs. Jonathan Veil
Lots of ####################### :)
(Height) 5'11"
(Weight) 140 lbs.
(Hair) Brown
(Eyes) Blu/Gry
CONFIDENTIAL
#### Thomas is a third generat(ion)
#### a revolutionary ####
extraordinary
es.
*9*. Who is David Powers?
David was another inmate at the asylum where Tom was held in the pilot.
He seemed to have had his life erased as well. However, not much could
be gained from him as he convienently underwent a frontal-lobotomy.
Tom did some checking around on David Powers and discovered a hotel room
that he had paid for in advance for one year. This lead Tom to the
events of "The Spider Webb."
Larry has hinted Powers will have a larger role in future episodes.
*10*. Who is Bellamy?
He was the shrink who interrogated Tom at the asylum. He was killed by
"them" after being captured by Tom.
Tom assumed his identity in "Turnabout."
In "Alpha Spike," we learned Bellamy was involved in brainwashing
experiments at Sperling Academy.
*11*. What's with all the breaking glass?
Larry Hertzog (creator & executive producer) tells us that
the breaking glass, for the most part, was just a trick
to make it spooky. Not to say that there isn't some meaning
in the shattering glass, but it's not a big meaning that would
have an effect on the rest of the plotline.
You should refer to the Breaking Glass FAQ to see what episodes
the breaking glass appears and during what scenes.
You can obtain the Breaking Glass FAQ at:
http://pages.prodigy.com/nowhere-man
12. Why is the show called Nowhere Man?
According to Larry Hertzog, the show's creator(see II.2):
> As for the original title: I submitted the script with the series title,
> "HIDDEN AGENDA" and the episode title "ABSOLUTE ZERO" (a title I stole
> from one of my feature scripts). I thought either might serve as a
> series title. The Network didn't like Hidden Agenda. I threw some others
> out (can't remember right now but corny things like "Vanishing Point"
> "Focal Point" "Depth of Field," etc.)
> They kept saying "no" and I kept saying, okay, come up with something.
> In true form, they came up with nothing. A friend of mine suggested
> Nowhere Man and it seemed to stick. Names kept coming up until the
> powers that be finally said they wanted to stick with Nowhere Man.
13. What episodes have aired thus far?
Episode titles with minimal spoilers as to which ones they are since
UPN doesn't broadcast the titles with the episodes.
1) Absolute Zero (The Pilot) -- Tom has his identity erased
2) Turnabout -- Tom poses as Bellamy
3) The Incredible Derek -- Psychic kid knows about Tom
4) Something About Her -- Tom brainwashed to love a woman
5) Paradise on Your Doorstep -- Secret community of erased people
6) Spider Webb -- TV Show that mirrors Tom's life
7) A Rough Whimper of Insanity -- Hacker helps Tom
8) Alpha Spike -- Brainwashed kids at a boarding school
9) You've Really Got A Hold On Me -- Dean Stockwell is erased
10) Father -- Is Dean Jones TV's father?
11) The Enemy Within -- Tom injured and nursed back to health
12) It's Not Such A Wonderful Life -- Alyson returns & things seem normal...
13) Contact -- Tom finds an ally withing "them"
14) Heart Of Darkness -- Tom joins up with the "American Guard"
15) Forever Jung -- Genetics that make old people young again?
16) Shine A Light On You -- An organization covers up their work with
magnetism with fake UFO sightings.
17) Stay Tuned -- A small town is brainwashed by their local programming
18) Hidden Agenda -- Tom recalls the events up to the taking of the
"Hidden Agenda" photograph. Big plot twist
introduced: "HA" was taken in Washington, DC, not
South America.
19) Doppleganger -- Another man is made to look/sound like Tom
20) Through A Lens Darkly -- "They" attempt to break Tom with memories
of his first and lost love.
21) Dark Side Of The Moon -- Tom gets himself into trouble in the bad
streets of town when a gang comes after him.
22) Calaway -- Tom suffers from Insomnia and finds himself back in the same
place he started...Calaway.
23) Zero Minus Ten -- Tom awakens from a "three month" coma and everything
is like it used to be. Alyson tells Tom that
everything that happened was a "coma dream".
24) Marathon -- Tom learns about a top-secret mind-control project called
"Marathon" that he may be somehow involved in.
25) Gemini (1st Season Finale) -- The plot takes the biggest twist when
Tom learns the most shocking thing yet.
Does he even know himself anymore or
who he is? Is he one of "them" or are
they playing with his head again?
(We may never know...)
13. What are the upcoming episdoe titles for Nowhere Man?
Unfortunatly, Nowhere Man was cancelled on May 14, 1996, its
last episode, "Gemini", airing on May 20, 1996. Since "Gemini",
no new episodes have been produced and no one knows if more
ever will. However, there are efforts to save the show that are
still in progress (http://pages.prodigy.com/nowhere-man) and
UPN is thinking about the idea of Nowhere Man TV movies...so
hang in there.
14. Why was it cancelled?
That's a question that has plagued all of us. True, the ratings played
a part. They weren't what UPN wanted. Larry says there were other
factors, so perhaps there were. However, nobody knows for sure if
it was JUST the ratings or the ratings and something else. If you
are interested in joining the fight to save and support Nowhere Man
visit the "Save Nowhere Man Homepage" at
http://pages.prodigy.com/nowhere-man
for updated info, weekly campaigns, and all sorts of interesting stuff.
Hey, maybe Nowhere Man will come back...but we need YOUR support.
Stranger things have happened...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
II. Discussion of Nowhere Man
1. Where can I discuss Nowhere Man?
alt.tv.nowhere-man (or a.t.n) is the only newsgroup currently. As the
show continues and gains popularity, a rec group may even be formed.
There's also a mailing list. If you would like to join, send an email
to:
MAJORDOMO@CNATION.COM
and put "subscribe nowhere" in the body.
There are 170+ NWM fans on this list and
it's a lot of fun. Not *too* much email!
To join the fanfic list, send an email to
MAJORDOMO@CNATION.COM
and put "subscribe nwm-creative" in the body.
To join the open discussion list, send email to
MAJORDOMO@CNATION.COM
and put "subscribe nwm-open" in the body.
*2*. Who created Nowhere Man?
Larry Hertzog is the man and fortunately for all of us, he's also on the
newsgroup! His email address is: lh@mindspring.com
3. Can I post ideas for storylines on the group? What about fanfics?
Because Larry is on the newsgroup, please refrain from posting potential
storylines, ideas, etc. For example, let's say I post this message:
> Hey Larry, I've got an idea for a show where Tom sees a TV show that's
> just like his life and the producers is one of "them". Why don't I email
> the rest of it to ya and we'll talk?
Now, as you can see, if I posted that and "Spider Webb" was aired
later on in this season, Larry and co. could possibly face some nasty
litigation from me, which could mean bad things for the show. Ie: UPN
cancelling it because of all the legal trouble it caused.
I assume Larry isn't on the mailing list. So either post it on the
mailing list or put it up on a web page or FTP site and post a message
saying where it is.
DO NOT POST STORY IDEAS TO ALT.TV.NOWHERE-MAN!
You CAN, however, post short stories or ideas
to the fanfic list mentioned above. You can also
visit http://erau.db.erau.edu:80/~claggc to see
others' fan fiction and submit your own!
3. How can I let UPN know I love this show?
Visit their website at http://www.upn.com
and send them email.
4. Star Trek fans are called Trekkers. What are Nowhere Man fans called?
Larry suggested Nowhere Maniacs. I have to say I like the name.
5. What is Nowhere Man's current status?
Nowhere Man was cancelled after one season (25 episodes) and
will not return, as of now, in any form. A TV movie or two is
possible in the future.
However, this was posted on 11/4/95 from Larry in an open letter. It
appears the focus of Nowhere Man will shift a bit...
> Since I consider this group "family" (with all that goes with that), I
> thought I'd let you in on a little of what's been going on "behind the
> scenes."
>
> We have taken some serious pounding from "Them" over the last four or five
> weeks. This is the rule in episodic television, not the exception. What
> is the exception was that I was "cut loose" as much as I was at the outset
> of the series. Well -- there's been some attempt to correct that and to
> curtail my wild and woolly ways. They haven't resorted to drugs or mind
> control yet, but to a large degree, it's a do or die situation.
>
> Before people flood me with -- "who can I write to" -- let me say, "thanks
> for the support" -- but it won't have much impact. That said, anyone is
> free to contact UPN at --- UPN Mail@aol.com -----
>
> [editor's note: This UPN address is no longer active]
>
> Beginning in January (not sure of our airdate order yet) NwM will have a
> slightly different spin on it. For what it's worth -- I put the spin on
> it. I did so under threats and dire pressure, but it's still my spin.
> I'm not sure how it will impact on the series, but I have no doubt that
> you'll all be here to let me know.
>
> I feel (felt) that my job was to keep NwM hopping, interesting, creepy,
> provocative and "cool," while addressing THEM'S thoughts, threats and
> entreaties. As always, when something's gained, something's lost. We
> haven't really set out on this path yet (scripts are just being written)
> so it's hard to determine just how this will all come out. My
> interpretation is this: We'll be moving away from some of the more
> "Prisoneresque" attributes and more into: "The Conspiracy." The episodes
> will probably have a more "Alpha Spike" feel to them than a "Something
> About Her" feel. A little less cerebral, perhaps, but maybe not fatal to
> the series. (It *is* possible that it will be seen as a vast improvement
> -- I'm not chiding THEM for ruining the show -- just for beating on us.)
>
> So you'll see a slightly more "active" Tom in the future (not an action
> show, though) and you'll get more insights into various THEM activities.
> They haven't forgotten the negatives, but Tom will have some opportunities
> to "make inroads."
>
> We'll see. Just wanted to share it here first. I've been trying to
> recover from the battles. We're not out the woods yet and it wouldn't
> surprise me to find the guys who did "My Mother the Car" running Nowhere
> Man before the season's out. At the moment, however, I'm still at the
> helm, the attacks have quieted and -- que sera sera.
>
> Whatever the outcome -- you guys have been astounding. It's too bad you're
> only 6 or 7 per cent of the viewing public -- but hey -- that's what makes
> us special, right? Right?
>
> More as things develop,
>
> Larry
6. Where can I get episode synopsis'/reviews?
Reviews are being posted on the newsgroup by people as each show airs.
Usually they have "SPOILERS" or something to that effect in the subject
in case you haven't seen them yet.
You can get an episode guide at:
http://pages.prodigy.com/nowhere-man
Also visit Vidiot at:
http://www.cdsnet.net/video/UPN/NM
*7*. What Nowhere Man websites can I go to?
http://www.winternet.com/~cpj1/nwman/
http://www.cdsnet.net/vidiot/UPN/NM/
http://www.abacus.ghj.com/sci_fi/default.html
http://pages.prodigy.com/nowhere-man
(Also, go to any search engine and search for "Nowhere Man")
*8*. What Nowhere Man FTP sites can I go to?
None that I know of.
9. What are the Top Ten signs that I watch Nowhere Man?
As posted by Kenvin Wohler (Kevin_Wohler@hillspet.com) on a.t.n:
> From our home office in (we could tell you where, but then we'd have to
> kill you) it's:
> THE TOP 10 SIGNS THAT YOU WATCH NOWHERE MAN
> 10. You don't call your friends because your phone may be tapped.
> 09. The wife isn't speaking to you.
> 08. You like the sound of breaking glass.
> 07. Ever since you went on the run, you can't hold down a job.
> 06. You accused your therapist of plotting against you.
> 05. You legally changed your name to Number 6. (Sorry, that's
> The Prisoner.)
> 04. The new guy next door smokes cigars, so you killed him.
> 03. Friends in Arizona are sick of you asking where "New Phoenix" is.
> 02. You read this newsgroup under an assumed name.
> And the number one sign that you watch Nowhere Man...
> 01. You made 20 copies of your vacation photos and mailed them to
> yourself.
*10*. What are some nifty Nowhere Man anagrams?
You think them up, you send them in folks.
Thomas Veil
Thomas J Veil
Hidden Agenda
Thomas Jonathan Veil
Any episode title (except "A Rough Whimper of Insanity" =-)
So far:
A Rough Whimper Of Insanity == Information Super Highway
Hidden Agenda == Hanged Dead In
Thomas Veil == Have I lost 'm?
Hi, last move.
Thomas J Veil == Home jails T.V.
Sail home T.J.V.
He jails Tom V.
Council Bluffs == Now buff silli cuc
Nowhere Man Episode List == T. Edison, Man, Peels Whore
(Note, I didn't put the name of the guy who thought of it next to it =-)
And here's a slew of Thomas veil anagrams from Josh Smith with his
comments...
Slave To Him (Tom is brainwashed?)
Hi Slave Tom (ditto)
Ah Most Evil (could refer to Them)
Ah Most Vile (ditto)
Viet Shalom (Jewish conspiracy in Viet Nam? wrong war never mind :^)
Live To Mash (could refer to Them)
To Mash Evil (could refer to why Tom is dangerous to Them)
Math So Evil (Larry had trouble with algebra?)
Math So Vile (ditto)
Oh Islam Vet (Muslim military conspracy? :^)
Him Also Vet (Tom is a veteran -- of Them?)
Them Is Oval (uhhhh...)
Olav Is Them (Scandinavian conspiracy :^)
I Tom He Slav (Central European conspiracy? :^)
Ma Evil Host (Mom is behind it all?!?)
Am So Liveth ("they are real, they have to be")
Am Evil Host (Tom is brainwashed Them agent waiting to emerge)
11. Bruce Greenwood is fabulous! I want more!
Yes, I'll have to admit, Bruce is quite the actor. It seems he
doesn't get the recognition he deserves! Well, you can obtain
all sorts of pictures, info, and SO MUCH more at the
"Bruce Greenwood Homepage". This page is maintained by Sandra Jones
and Pamela McKay. It used to be the "Unofficial Bruce Page", but now
Bruce is even involved in the page. So, it's official. Check it out:
http://greenwood.simplenet.com
There is also a Bruce Greenwood mailing list. For info on how to
join, email Pamela McKay (pmckay@concentric.net) and tell her
that you're interested.
OUTRO
Well, I'd like to thank Larry Hertzog for giving us such a fantastic
show AND for showing up on the newsgroup to chat with his growing
number of fans AND giving me plenty of material to fill the FAQ with.
=-)
Various contributions credited to:
Jason Conrad (CWZY26B@prodigy.com)
Lory W. (lormar@ix.netcom.com)
Kevin Wohler (Kevin_Wohler@hillspet.com)
Brad Ackerman (brad@iag.net)
Sandra Jones (sandra.jones@aquila.com)
N. Alan Oursland (naoursla@eos.ncsu.edu)
Chris Josephes (cpj1@winternet.com)
Ian Sammis (ssammis@ucla.edu)
Brian Hartsfield (bh@digital.net)
David Filip (grimlock@u.washington.edu)
Josh Smith (irilyth@netmarket.com)
Kevin Reilly (kev@denali.demon.co.uk)
Micheal Keane
aexia@u.washington.edu
"If you're like me -- and I know *I* am" -- Joel, MST3k
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