Berkowitz on Season One
Interview by Amazing Spidey

  · Bios
· Episode Guides
· Episode Reviews

· DVDs
 · Q+A

· Message Board
· MAA Home Page

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

TZ: The Spider Slayers episodes introduced a lot of the key players in the show, most of whom had countless appearances, such as Norman Osborn, The Kingpin and Alister Smythe. What went into trying to introduce so many important characters in such a short amount of time?   

Stan : In general, when a writer has to introduce a lot of characters in a short time, he needs to create -- and distill -- defining moments for each of the characters -- scenes that quickly tell the audience who these people are and what they want.  That was the challenge on Spider Slayers, and I leave it to the viewers to decide if it was met. 

TZ: The episode was also the viewers' first introduction to Felicia Hardy, one of Peters love interests. As the romantic situations where what the show used to try and attract the older audience, what thoughts went into this re-take on Felicia?

A: From my point of view, it wasn't a re-take; it was the first time I wrote for Felicia.  It was John Semper's idea to present her as a society girl, so she would be a nice contrast to the blue collar Peter.  It was also John's idea to intro Felicia before the more popular Mary Jane, a bold move in my opinion.

TZ: The Menace Of Mysterio was the first episode to retell Spider-Mans origin. I've read that this was because James Cameron was about to make 'Spider-Man: The Movie'. What other restrictions did the movie put on the show?

Stan: I can't confirm or deny this, but what I can tell you is that Cameron's draft was different from our take; he had web fluid oozing from Peter's wrist, while we stuck to the idea of mechanical web shooters.  And as for the concept of waiting a few episodes before doing the origin story -- another bold move, in my opinion.

TZ: What process went into translating Mysterio from the comic books into the TV screens?

Stan:  Uh, I don't know.  You sort of read the comic and try to figure out what the guy should sound like.  The adaptation process is more instinctive than analytical.

TZ: One of the parts of the show that confused a lot of the fans was that The Hobgoblin was introduced 2 seasons before The Green Goblin whereas in the comics, it was the other way around. How did you try and make sense of the situation?

A:  It wasn't that big of a deal to me; If the original Hobgoblin was someone who found the Green Goblin's stuff, why couldn't it have happened the other way around on the show?

TZ: The Hobgoblin was one of the more intriguing characters on the show to me; due to the fact we never knew who he was for his first several appearances, until the end of season 3.  Jason Macandale was also introduced early in season 3. Was this planned from the start?

A: As far as I know, yes. 

 TZ: And finally, being as the first season introduced most of the shows super villains, Stan:  Venom.  I liked his sense of humour.