VIPER: The Television Show Frequently Asked Questions ------------------------------------------------------- Compiled By Brian Gajewski Contributions Made By Paul DeMeo, Danny Bilson, Ken Au-Yeung, Robert Benjamin, Jean Paul Gibeau & Steven Lawrence Updated: 4/10/2001 -------------------------------------------------------- Latest Additions: 1. Viper Returns To USA Schedule 2. Pet Fly Productions Timeline -------------------------------------------------------- This page is not endorsed by Paramount Pictures. It has just been assembled by fans of the show. The producers of the show have been very supportive and appreciate the following the show has received. While this FAQ is an unofficial document, Pet Fly Productions has been very supportive of our activities. If you would like to make any additions to the FAQ, send email to bmg95960@pegasus.cc.ucf.edu For the latest version, please visit the Original VIPER, Viper Central at: http://moviemopars.tvheaven.com/viper (relocated) http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~bmg95960 (mirror site) Table Of Contents: ----------------- 1.0 General Information 1.1 What Is The VIPER TV Show? 1.2 What Network Is It On? 1.3 Who Is In The Show? 1.4 Is There An Episode Guide On The Internet? 2.0 The Main Cars On The Show 2.1 What Is A Viper RT/10 Roadster? 2.2 What Is A Viper GTS Coupe? 2.3 What Is The Silver Car Called? 2.4 What Happened To Frankie's 'Cuda340? 2.5 What did Westlake drive and is her favorite color green? 2.6 Just what can the Defender Do? 3.0 The Creative Minds Behind VIPER 3.1 Who Are Paul DeMeo And Danny Bilson? 3.2 Which Studio Produces VIPER? 3.3 Who Is Responsible For The Computer Effects Used On VIPER? 3.4 What Did Chrysler Corporation Do For VIPER? 4.0 The VIPER TV Show Merchandise 4.1 What VIPER Toys Have Been Made? 4.2 What Other VIPER merchandise has been made? 5.0 VIPER On The Internet 5.1 Is There A Viper Newsgroup? 5.2 What VIPER Internet Pages Are There? 6.0 VIPER Promotions 6.1 What was the VIPER MADD Dash Across America? 7.0 VIPER's Turbulent Beginnings 7.1 Why was VIPER created? 7.2 What was the VIPER Lawsuit of 1993? 8.0 The SEASONS 8.1 Season One: 1994 8.2 Season Two: 1996-1997 8.3 Season Three: 1997-1998 8.4 Season Four: 1998-1999 9.0 The VHS "Classics" 9.1 What Is The VIPER VHS "Classics?" 9.2 The VIPER Soundtrack On Compact Disc? 9.3 Possible DVD Launch 10.0 Behind The Scenes 10.1 The Soundtrack to Viper 11.0 Show/Storyline Information 11.1 The Headquarters of the Viper Team 12.0 Pet Fly Productions 12.1 Future Projects 12.2 Pet Fly Timeline 1.0 General Information ======================= 1.1 What Is The VIPER TV Show? The VIPER show takes place in the near future. The show is a mix between Science Fiction and Action/Adventure. It follows the adventures of a sophisticated vehicle that was designed to fight crime. 1.2 What Network Is It on? VIPER premiered on NBC back in 1994. It was launched as a mid-season replacement, on Sunday, January 2, 1994. The Pilot Movie aired as NBC's Movie Of The Week. VIPER started in its normal timeslot Friday, January 7, 1994 at 8PM. It original episodes aired from January through April. None of the first season episodes were ever repeated. NBC cancelled the show in 1994. In 1995, Paramount re-cast the show and moved production from Los Angeles to Canada, The show's second season started airing the week of September 23, 1996 in syndication. Paramount now refers to the NBC season of Viper (1994) as the 'classic' series. When the show aired in first-run syndication in 1996, Paramount promoted it as its 'Premiere' Season. Viper is currently syndicated worldwide (1998-99: Fourth Season). 1.3 Who Is On The Show? The Cast Of Viper For Season 1: =============================== James McCaffrey As Joe Astor Dorian Harewood As Julian Wilkes Joe Nipote As Franklin 'Frankie' Xavier Waters The Cast Of Viper For Season 2: =============================== Jeff Kaake As Special Investigator Thomas Cole Heather Medway As Detective Cameron Westlake Joe Nipote As Franklin 'Frankie' Xavier Waters Dawn Stern As Doctor Allie Farrow The Cast Of Viper Season 3: ============+============== Jeff Kaake As Special Investigator Thomas Cole Heather Medway As Detective Cameron Westlake Joe Nipote As Franklin 'Frankie' Xavier Waters J. Downing As FBI Agent Sherman Catlett The Cast Of Viper Season 4: =========================== James McCaffrey As Joe Astor Heather Medway As Detective Cameron Westlake Joe Nipote As Franklin 'Frankie" Xavier Waters J. Downing As FBI Agent Sherman Catlett 1.4 Is There An Episode Guide On The Internet? There are several episode guides on the internet.. I maintain a highly detailed Episode Guide for season 1 & 2. I am also working on Season 3 & 4. Also, Paramount's official site at http://www.vipertv.com offers a complete listing of every syndicated (Non-NBC) Viper Episode. Sadly, this site was deactivated in 2001 by Paramount. For more fan based web sites, you can also visit the Internet Movie Database at www.imdb.com. This site features very detailed cast. credits, and some trivia. 2.0 The Main Cars Of The Show ============================= 2.1 What Is A Viper RT/10 Roadster? The Viper is Chrysler's Corporation's answer to the high powered exotic car. The Viper is the fastest street legal car ever built in the United States. The original Viper (The R/T 10) is a two passenger roadster equipped with a 488 cubic inch (8.0 Liter) V-10. A Red Viper was the star of the show, (for Seasons 1-2: 1994-1998) hence the name. The 1992-1995 Viper Roadsters featured a 400 horsepower V-10. In 1996, New color schemes and wheels were available with an upgraded 415 horsepower engine. 2.2 What Is A Viper GTS Coupe? The Viper GTS coupe was originally a show car that toured the United States in 1994. The GTS Coupe went into production in 1996 with a new interior (featuring dual air bags) and exterior door handles (original roadster did not have them!). The car featured a second generation 8.0 Liter V-10 engine with 450 horsepower and 490 ft/lbs. of torque. The car features new sheetmetal and a fastback roof. The GTS coupe had improved aerodynamics (.35 drag coeficient versus the Roadster's brick-like .50) and was now capable of 185+ mph (Hennessey MotorSports can upgrade a Viper GTS coupe to 605 horsepower to make it capable of 203 mph). The Viper GTS was only available in Brilliant Blue with two white stripes running down the middle of the car in its first year of production. In its second year oif production, 1997, the Viper GTS was also available in red. For 1998, The Viper GTS was available in Silver and Red (Blue not available). For 1999, The Viper received new standard features (power mirrors) and interior trim. For the first time, an ACR package is available. The package is designed for amateur racers -- the car has a slightly retuned engine (now with 460 horsepower/500 ft.lbs of torque), optional radio/air-conditioning delete (for weight-savings), larger tires with racing tires and additional brake cooling ducts (instead of fog lamps). 2.3 What Is The Silver Car Called? The Silver Car that the Red Viper Roadster morphes into is called the 'Defender.' It was designed by Chrysler with creative advice for Paramount Studios. Several stunt Defenders were constructed: a) A 4X4 version on a Dodge Dakota Drivetrain With Enlarged Tires b) Several 'Mules' to abuse. The Defender was designed by Chrysler stylist Steve Ferrerio. He wanted the car to look "animalistic, predatory and intimidating." The care features weapon pods that can extend for each side of the car, retractable 'fangs' (that are used as battering rams) on the front and rear and a four wheel drive mode with enlarged tires. 2.4 What Happened To Frankie's 'Cuda340? The Purple '1971 Cuda that was driven by Frankie in Season 1 is now owned by the Vehicle Coordinator of the show. The show moved from California to Canada in 1995. In Season 2, Frankie drove a Purple '72 Dodge Challenger. Frankie's 'Cuda340 returned in Season 3. 2.5 What did Westlake drive and is her favorite color green? It does appear that the Character of Cameron Westlake did like the color green. Every vehicle she drove was green in color. Several people have speculated that a green vehicle was given to Westlake also to contrast the Red Viper R/T. As for her first vehicle, she drove a '96 Dodge Avenger ES in Season 2. In Season 3 and 4, she piloted and destroyed several '98 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limiteds. 2.6 What can the Defender do: (Season by Season Evolution) Season 1: --------- Stock Form: 1992 Red Dodge Viper RT/10 Roadster Morphed Form: Silver Viper Defender designed by Julian Wilkes Abilities: Offensive: Tunneller Missle Grapling Hook Static Pulse Special Modes: 4 Wheel Drive, with raised suspension and tire enlargment Other: Probe (laser added in episode #2) Remote Capabilities (added episode #3) T-Bar Winch (used to propel person up large structures) Holographic Projector Season 2: --------- Stock Form: 1992 Red Viper RT/10 Roadster Morphed Form: Silver Viper Defender New Abilities: Offensive: .50 Calliber Machine Guns Laser added to weapons pod of Defender Special Modes: Auxilary Turbine Other: Fuel Drop/Purge Tanks Season 3: --------- Stock Form: 1992 Red Viper RT/10 Roadster Morphed Form: Silver Viper Defender New Abilities: Offensive: Grenade Launcher Flame Thrower Season 4: --------- Stock Form: 1998 Blue Viper GTS Coupe Morphed Form: Silver Viper Defender New Abilities: Offensive: Torpedo Launcher Can Launch Static Pulse backwards Cluster/Canister Bombs Special Modes: Hovercraft Mode Flame Retardant Launcher 3.0 The Creative Minds Behind VIPER =================================== 3.1 Who Are Paul DeMeo and Danny Bilson? Paul DeMeo and Danny Bilson are reknowned for their creative style. They are the creators of VIPER. They also produce The Sentinel, which airs on the UPN network. Their previous efforts were The Flash (TV Series), Human Target (TV Series), and the Rocketeer (Movie). The talented duo are famous for their creative abilities and ingenious stunts throughout the industry. 3.2 Which Studio Produces VIPER? Viper is produced by Paramount Studios. VIPER has one of the highest budgets of all the shows on TV. Each episode costs an average of 1.5 million to produce. Most of the money goes towards special effects, such as CGI 'morphs' and spectacular stunts. 3.3 Who Is Responsible For The Vivid Computer Effects Used On VIPER? MetroLight Studio of California produce all the computer effects used on the VIPER TV Show during the first season. They produced the incredible 'hex' morph scenes that turn the Red Viper RT/10 Roadster into the Defender. When the show moved from NBC to first-run syndication, BB&J Visual Effects took over the responsibility of the morph sequences and other CGI effects displayed on the show. 3.4 What Did Chrysler Corporation Do For VIPER? Chrysler donated about a dozen Red Viper RT/10 Roadsters for the show (The Vipers Were Test Mules and Press Cars). The Defender (silver pursuit vehicle) was designed by Chrysler. It is built off a modified Viper Chassis. The Stunt Defenders are propelled by 360 cubic inch magnum V8's with automatic transmissions! Stunt Drivers prefer automatic transmissions. The Defender vehicle was designed Chrysler stylist Steve Ferrerio at a cost of 1.5 million dollars. The Defender is based on a Viper Roadster chassis that was stretched by 15 inches. The show is set in the near future, so concept cars are constantly roaming around in the background of the show. In the pilot movie, the Plymouth Slingshot, Chrysler Portofino, Chrysler Epic Minivan, and Caravan III were shown. The Concept Cars were displayed throughout the first season. 4.0 The VIPER TV Show Merchandise ================================= 4.1 What VIPER Toys Have Been Made? Tyco and Matchbox manufactured toys for the Viper TV Show. Tyco produced a U-Turn Slot Car Set that featured a 1994 Dodge Stealth Versus The Viper Defender. Tyco also produced a Viper Defender Remote Control Car. Matchbox produced a Viper RT/10 Roadster. If you notice, on the box of the Matchbox Viper the words, "As seen on the VIPER TV Show." Matchbox developed a Defender and a Stealth, but never released them. Supposedly, Dodge was unhappy with the quality of the Stealth car and stopped them from going into production. AMT/Ertl released a VIPER TV Show Plastic Model of the red Viper RT/10 Roadster. The box had the VIPER (Tv Show) Logo and overall was a great model kit. 4.2 What Other VIPER Merchandise Has Been Made? A Viper RT/10 Roadster Telephone was made. The box for the telephone features the Viper TV Series logo and the 'Power Station' (from Season 1) in the background. DC Comics made a 4-part miniseries that was released in late 1994. It is rumored that VIPER Action Figures were also in the works in '94. In 1994, a VIPER Video Game was developed for IBM CD-ROM. It was about 70% complete when it was cancelled. Danny Bilson, co-creator of Viper, told me he didn't really like the game. When NBC cancelled the show, the game was shelved. From what I heard, the game was based on the episodes from season 1. Video clips from the show would introduce each mission, and it was up to Joe, Julian and Frankie to save the day. It sounds like a pretty good idea. 5.0 VIPER On The Internet ========================= 5.1 Is There A VIPER Newsgroup? The answer: not yet. Many of the fans who wrote this FAQ are also working on starting an internet newsgroup dedicated to VIPER. We expect that a VIPER Newsgroup will be up this summer. UPDATE: A Viper Newsgroup is now available at http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/viper 5.2 What VIPER Internet Pages Are There? Most Complete List Of VIPER TV Show Internet Pages: 1. Paramount's Official VIPER COMPLEX Page: http://www.vipertv.com (this site was taken down in 2001) 2. The Ultimate VIPER Page - Viper Central (1st Unofficial Page On The Internet) http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~bmg95960 http://moviemopars.tvheaven.com/viper (mirror) 3. Project Viper (Considered the best fan site) http://www.projectviper.com 6.0 VIPER Promotions ==================== 6.1 What Was The VIPER MADD Dash Across America? The VIPER MADD Dash Across America was a promotion that took place earlier this year. It kicked off February 2, 1997 in Daytona Beach, Florida. It was a twelve day tour of 10 big cities across the USA. The tour benefitted Mothers Against Drunk Driving. The MADD Dash gave fans the chance to meet Heather Medway and Jeff Kaake, plus the abilities to see the VIPER Roadster and Defender in person. A short demonstration of the Defender's weapons also took place. 6.2 The Playboy Content? Coming Soon: information on the Playboy promotion. 7.0 VIPER's Turbulent Beginnings ================================ 7.1 Why Was VIPER Created? The Viper Story began in 1992. Chrysler Corporation was close to bankruptcy. The Company that recovered from its early 1980's financial problems was once again in trouble. Chrysler, while known for building highly reliable vehicles was troubled because their vehicles were bland. Looking to install a 'cool' image into the automaker, the Dodge Viper Concept Car (that was toured around the country at Auto Shows in 1989) was put into production. This vehicle gave the company an image booster and a much needed enthusiasm throughout management. Late in 1992, Chrysler brought in Paramount Studios to help promote their new sports car. Paramount agreed to develop a television series around the Dodge Viper Sports Car for prime time television. Chrysler saw this opportunity to promote their cars as fun vehicles and eliminate their reputation for stodgy cars and trucks. The first season of VIPER was filmed in early 1993, but then stalled because of several complications. The show was originally developed for the CBS network. When CBS viewed the show, they deemed it too violent for their network and tried to bury the show. Because of Chrysler's involvement, the show proceeded on. NBC picked up VIPER and ordered 10 episodes along with the Pilot Movie. The pilot movie premiered on January 2, 1994 and scored a 17 share for the network. 7.2 What Was The VIPER Lawsuit of 1993? While the first season was being filmeds, Stephen J. Cannell heard of the show's premise and liked it. While all this confusion was taking place at Paramount Studios (regarding CBS), he tried to create a TV series called 'VIPER' starring a loner and a VIPER sports car. Cannell's VIPER Show had 4 episodes already filmed when Paramount found out about it. Cannell was then sued by Chrysler/Paramount for a trademark violation. Paramount won, and Cannell refurbished the syndicated show (starring Michael Dudikoff) and named the show 'Cobra.' 'Cobra' only lasted one season, it was plagued by bad acting and lousy direction (thanks to Cannell's 'skilled' direction). It was one of the lowest rated syndicated shows of the 1990s. By contrast, Paramount's VIPER, was among the Top 5 highest rated syndicated shows when it debuted in 1996. 8.0 The Seasons =============== 8.1 Season One: 1994 The first season was very expensive to produce. Metrolight Studios, who was responsible for the Computer Generated Special Effects, was talented but costly. The show had one of the highest budgets of all primetime shows, and much of that money went to special effects. Season 1 episodes featured an assortment of Chrysler Concept Cars since the show took place 'in the near future.' This season was filmed on location at Burbank, California. The 'Power Station' and Frankie's Motor Pool office were located on Sound Stage #18 at the Paramount Studios of California (unconfirmed). Character Overview ------------------ This is where it all started.... Ace getaway driver Michael Payton (James McCaffrey) is 'rehabilitated' and becomes the driver of the new anti-crime vehicle -- The Defender. He takes on a new identity as Joe Astor (unwillingly at first). After the project is cancelled by the city, Joe steals the VIPER and uses it as a Vigilante... The Viper's designer, Julian Wilkes (Dorian Harewood) agrees to help Joe in his vigilante activities. They hope to one day take down 'The Outfit' a crime syndicate running the Metro city. The last addition to the team, was Frankin 'Frankie' Xavier Waters. He is a major car-nut and is itching to get under the Viper's hood -- and also take it out on weekends..... 8.2 Season Two: 1996-97 The Computer Generated Special Effects were supplied by BB&J Effects Of California. The special effects had a different look and were much less costly. Noticeably absent are the Concept Cars that appeared in season 1 episodes. This was the first season in syndication; It was filmed on location in Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto, Canada. Character Overview ------------------ The show got a new cast for its move to syndication. The new driver of the VIPER is Special Investigator Thomas Cole (Jeff Kaake). He is a maverick CIA operative with a short fuse (Bad Temper). He is a very smart and handsome individual; He uses both these traits to his full advantage. Also new to the team is Detective Cameron Westlake (Heather Medway). She is a tough cop who is untouchable and incorruptible. Frankie Waters returned to become the mechanic on the latest Defender prototype. He also loosened up; he got a haircut and became a little more laid back/cool. Dr. Allie Farrow (Dawn Stern) also joined the Viper team to handle the computer/weapons systems of the Defender. FBI Agent Sherman Catlett was introduced in Season Two (Episode: Mig-89) and had a recurring role on the show as the pompous brown noser on a mission -- to get promoted. 8.3 Season Three: 1997-98 Filmed again in Vancouver (6/97 - 10/97), the show explored and probed Westlake and Cole's background. Westlake's mother and Cole's father were introduced in Season 3. Catlett caused more trouble and became an important character in the show. The Viper RT/10 Roadster is destroyed in the Season Finale. Character Overview ------------------ Dr. Allie Farrow (Dawn Stern) left the Viper Team to work for a government think-tank organization in Portugal. FBI Agent Sherman Catlett (J. Downing) became liason to the Viper Team. 8.4 Season Four: 1998-1999 For season 4, A new Viper Prototype is introduced. The new Viper is a GTS Coupe capable of morphing into the Defender. Julian Wilkes (Dorian Harewood) is expected to appear in the season premiere to help the Viper Team get the new Defender operational. Character Overview ------------------ Thomas Cole (Jeff Kaake) left the Viper Project to pursue other career opportunities. Joe Astor (James McCaffrey) returns as Driver of the VIPER. 8.5 Season Five: 1999-2000? Rumors are now flying that Viper has been cancelled. The latest information confirms that Viper has been pulled from British Columbia. However, it appears that Viper may shift production to another location (which would be the third location change!) The reasons for Viper's apparent cancellation are still unknown. Speculation has lead to the following possibilities: a) Syndicators no longer want to carry the show (Viper has been pushed to poor time slots around the country because of the expanded primetime lineups for UPN and the WB) b) The creators of the show wanted to retire the show while its quality was top notch (many shows deteriorate over long runs, until the final season tarnishes the show's reputation) -- Now confirmed, VIPER's creators wanted it to continue into another season c) The newly formed DailmerChrysler no longer wanted to fund and supply vehicles for the series d) Domestic Ratings slipped too much (due to poor time slots) The show is still a dominant force in international syndication. It is very likely Paramount will continue to air the show, at least in second run syndication. 9.0 The VHS "Classics" ====================== 9.1 What Is The VIPER VHS "Classics"? It is rumored that Columbia House is planning to release all episodes of the "classic" series on VHS in 2000. This Collector's Series will have Footage, Behind The Scenes, and Bloopers. This could be a Great Collection... This collection is now being considered for DVD. However, the latest information now states Paramount may stall the collection and instead put together a package to syndicate the 1994 episodes with 1996-99 episodes within the next two years. These rumors have been confirmed. It looks like Paramount will put together a syndication package at the end of this year to syndicate VIPER. Updated: USA Networks began syndicating VIPER on September 15, 1999. The show currently airs weeknights at 2am (a very poor timeslot). USA will consider moving the show if ratings are strong. 9.2 VIPER: The Soundtrack On Compact Disc? It is still possible that this VHS collections could be released. Recently, The Sentinel's (Viper & The Sentinel are both produced by Pet Fly Productions) Television Soundtrack was released on Compact Disc. Now rumors are flying that a VIPER Soundtrack CD is in the works to coincide with the second-run syndication of VIPER on USA. 9.3 Viper: DVD Release? Rumor has it, Paramount is considering Viper for an overseas DVD launch (The show dominated international ratings, while only garning average/respectible ratings domestically). No word yet if this is just the pilot movie, multiple episodes or the entire series. 10.0 Behind The Scenes ====================== 10.1 The Viper Soundtrack The original Viper soundtrack was written by Eddie Jobsen. The original score was used in the pilot movie and the first season of episodes (NBC Network, 1994). The scored was remixed with a techno tempo for the debut of the syndicated show. This soundtrack was used for the 1996-97 season and the 1997-98 season. A completely new soundtrack was given to the 1998-99 season. The new musical score was composed by Jay Furgeson. Some people have mentioned that Eddie Jobsen's orignal tracks have been seen on Napster in MP3 format. Can anyone confirm this? 11.0 Storyline Information ========================== 11.1 The Headquarters of the Viper Team During season 1 (NBC: 1994), The Viper was stolen by vigilantes (Joe Astor, Julian Wilkes and Frankie Waters. It became clear that the team would need a secluded area to hide the car from criminals/authorities. So, Joe Astor (using money he had saved over the years from his criminal activities) purchased an old 'Power Station'. The building was retrofitted with computer equipment and automobile tools/diagnostics. When the Government found Astor and the Viper, they gave the Viper Team a new headquarters. Astor didn't like the way the Government officials were running things so he left the project. He was replaced by CIA operative Thomas Cole. The new headquarters would be relocated to an abandoned Subway station. It was retrofitted with state-of-the-art technologies by engineer Giles Seton III to become the 'Viper Complex'. 12.0 Pet Fly Productions ======================== 12.1 Future Projects Pet Fly productions is now developing several new projects. More information to come soon, please check back. 12.2 Pet Fly Timeline ======================================================================== Year Title Network/etc. Studio ======================================================================== 1990 The Flash CBS Warner Brothers 1991 The Rocketeer Movie Disney 1992 Human Target CBS Warner Brothers 1994 Viper NBC Paramount Studios 1995 The Sentinel UPN Paramount Studios 1996 Viper First Run Syndication Paramount Studios 1998 It's True Unaired Pilot Paramount Studios 1999 (Viper & The Sentinel Cancelled) 2001 Copper TV Pilot Paramount Studios