This is what a someone ("YME") close to the cast of Madigan Men wrote at the GBD board:
December 21, 2000:
"Gabriel and the network (ABC) were lobbied to produce MM as an hour show initially but hour shows (filmed with one camera, like movies) are very expensive and don't syndicate as well as sitcoms that are shot with 4 cameras. Also, they missed the window for hour pilots so their only shot was the half-hour sitcom. The networks (all of them, not just ABC) interfere tremendously with any programming that they have and they don't like to take risks, as many of you have figured out already.
My source believes that Gabriel is much better suited to cable rather than network because of this interference. Gabriel had many ambitious and interesting ideas that were not suited to the sitcom format and, my source believes, that he is still interested in doing TV because the hours of and lifestyle of a sitcom suited him because he wanted to be in NYC and near his kids but he, apparently, found the sitcom form stifling. My source believes that Gabriel did not fully understand what he was getting into by doing a sitcom because he had not watched enough TV to get the full picture.
My source feel confident that he will re-emerge in a single-camera show (i.e., an hour-long drama or a sitcom like "Malcolm in the Middle") or will pursue some romantic comedy parts because of Madigan Men. My source feel fairly certain that Gabriel will not be eager to do another sitcom any time soon but is not convinced he is through with television. He may be likely to take a break for awhile because this has been a draining experience on everyone involved. "
Also, the responce to a rumour that says Gabriel Byrne is sick:
December 24, 2000:
There was a post earlier about the state of Mr. Byrne's health. I have checked with one of my sources who says that as far as she could tell, he may have a touch of arthritis and, possibly, some kind of back pain (which may be arthritis as well). Nothin major at all.
Related links:
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