Lajos Kassák and Aquaman (TV pilot): Difference between pages
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{{Infobox Television
| show_name = Aquaman
| image = [[Image:Aquamantitle.jpg|250px]]
| caption = The logo from the ''Aquaman'' pilot
| format = [[Drama]]/[[Science fiction|science fiction]]
| camera =
| picture_format = [[HDTV]]
| runtime = 42 minutes
| creator = [[Paul Norris]]<br>[[Mort Weisinger]]<br>(characters)
| developer = [[Miles Millar]] <br> [[Alfred Gough]]
| executive_producer = Miles Millar <br> Alfred Gough
| starring = [[Justin Hartley]]<br />[[Denise Quiñones]]<br />[[Ving Rhames]]<br />[[Lou Diamond Phillips]]<br />[[Rick Peters]]<br />[[Amber McDonald]]
| narrated =
| composer = Didier Rachou
| endtheme =
| country = [[United States]]
| network = [[The WB Television Network]]
| first_aired =
| last_aired =
| num_episodes = 1
| website =
| imdb_id = 0498318
| tv_com_id = 58404
}}
'''''Aquaman''''' (also known as '''''Mercy Reef''''') is a television [[television pilot|pilot]] developed by ''[[Smallville (TV series)|Smallville]]'' creators [[Alfred Gough|Al Gough]] and [[Miles Millar]] for [[The WB Television Network]], based on the [[DC Comics]] character [[Aquaman]]. Gough and Miller wrote the pilot, which was directed by [[Greg Beeman]]. [[Justin Hartley]] starred as Arthur "A.C." Curry, in his early twenties, living in a beachside community in the Florida Keys and learning about his powers and destiny as the Prince of [[Atlantis]].
The ''Aquaman'' pilot was expected to debut in the fall of 2006, but following the merger of the WB and [[UPN]], the resulting [[The CW Television Network|CW Network]] opted not to buy the series. When the CW passed on the Aquaman pilot, it was made available online through [[iTunes]] in the United States. It became the number-one most downloaded television show on iTunes, and was later released on the [[Xbox Live Marketplace|Xbox Live Video Marketplace]]. The pilot received generally favorable reviews.
==Production==
===Development===
The concept of ''Aquaman'' stemmed from a fifth season episode of ''Smallville'', "[[Smallville (season 5)#Aqua|Aqua]]". The episode featured Arthur Curry ([[Alan Ritchson]]) coming to Smallville to stop an underwater weapons project being developed by [[LuthorCorp]]. "Aqua" became the highest rated episode for ''Smallville'' that season, but it was never meant to be a [[Television pilot#Backdoor pilots|backdoor pilot]] for an ''Aquaman'' series.<ref name="aqua">{{cite web | url=http://www.superherohype.com/news.php?id=3627 | title=The WB Makes Aquaman Official | date=November 13, 2006 | publisher=superherohype.com | accessdate=2007-01-05}}</ref> However, as work progressed on "Aqua", the character was recognized to have potential for his own series.<ref name="background">{{cite news| author=Josef Adalian | url=http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117932862.html?categoryid=1236&cs=1 | title=WB dives into 'Aquaman' | author=Josef Adalian | date=November 13, 2006 | publisher=Variety | date=[[2005-11-13]] | accessdate=2007-01-01}}</ref> Miles Millar and Alfred Gough, the creators of ''Smallville'', also considered a series featuring [[Lois Lane]], but felt stronger about Aquaman.<ref name="background"/> Millar said,"[''Aquaman''] was the first idea where we really thought we had a franchise, where we could see 100 episodes."<ref name="background"/>
Alan Ritchson was never considered for the role in the new series, because Gough and Millar did not consider it a [[Spin-off (media)|spin-off]] from ''Smallville''. Gough said in November 2005, "[The series] is going to be a different version of the 'Aquaman' legend."<ref name="background"/> Gough did express the idea of a crossover with ''Smallville'' at some point.<ref name="interview">{{cite news | author=Craig Byrne | url=http://www.kryptonsite.com/gough0106.htm | title=KryptonSite 100th episode interview with Alfred Gough | date=Janurary 19, 2006 | publisher=KryptonSite | date-[[2006-01-19]]|accessdate=2007-01-01}}</ref> There was initial speculation that the show's title would not be called ''Aquaman''. ''Tempest Keys'' and ''Mercy Reef'' were rumored to be the working titles for the series.<ref name="titles">{{cite web | url=http://au.tv.ign.com/articles/687/687278p1.html | title=Aquaman Pleads For Mercy | date=February 9, 2006 | publisher=IGN | accessdate=2007-01-01}}</ref> ''Mercy Reef'' was the title most associated with the pilot, but it would eventually be listed as ''Aquaman'' on iTunes.<ref>The show is under ''Mercy Reef'' on IMDb, but was referred to as ''Aquaman'' on iTunes.</ref> Greg Beeman, who has produced and directed episodes of ''Smallville'',<ref name="Aqua IMD">{{cite web | url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0066439/ | title=Greg Beeman | publisher=Internet Movie Database | accessdate=2007-05-09}}</ref> was hired to direct the pilot.<ref name="Aqua IMD">{{cite web | url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0498318/ | title=Aquaman | publisher=Internet Movie Database | accessdate=2007-05-09}}</ref>
===Casting===
Casting calls went out in November 2005 for the series regulars,<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.hollywoodnorthreport.com/article.php?Article=2155 | title=Aquaman Makes A Splash at the WB | author=Michael Stevens | date=November 22, 2005 | publisher=Hollywood North Report | accessdate=2006-10-21}}</ref> even though at the time, Gough and Millar were unsure which of the characters would appear regularly on the show.<ref name="smallville100" /> The role of Arthur Curry was originally given to Will Toale, after Gough and Millar saw over 400 candidates from [[England]], [[Australia]], [[Canada]] and the [[United States]].<ref name="toalecast">{{cite web |author=Michael Fleming | url=http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117935661.html?categoryid=1238&cs=1&query=%22Aquaman%22+%22pilot%22 | title=WB nets it 'Aquaman' | date=[[January 6]], [[2006]] | publisher=[[Variety]] | accessdate=2007-05-12}}</ref> Before filming began, Toale was replaced with Justin Hartley.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20060223/news_lz1c23broad.html | title=New Emmy nominations | publisher=SignOnSanDiego.com | date=[[2006-02-23]] | accessdate=2007-05-18}}</ref> A CW spokesman said, "We have made the decision to go in a different direction with the Aquaman role and wish [Toale] the best of luck in all of his endeavors."<ref name="cwchange">{{cite web | url=http://www.soapcentral.com/ps/news/2006/0227-hartley.php | title=Hartley Jumps From Passions to Superhero | date=February 7, 2006 | publisher=Soap Central | accessdate=2007-01-06}}</ref> Graham Bentz was cast as a young Arthur Curry, while [[Adrianne Palicki]] was cast as a [[Siren]] named Nadia. [[Ving Rhames]], [[Amber McDonald]], [[Denise Quiñones]], [[Rick Peters]], and [[Lou Diamond Phillips]] filled in the rest of the regular cast members.<ref name="Pilot1">{{cite episode | title=Pilot | series=Aquaman | credits=Al Gough, Miles Millar (writers) & Greg Beeman (director) | network=[[The WB Television Network|The WB]] | season=1 | number=1 | minutes=42}}</ref>
Some cast members guest starred on ''Smallville'' prior to the ''Aquaman'' pilot. Denise Quiñones played [[Acrata|Andrea Rojas]] in the season five episode "[[Smallville (season 5)#Vengeance|Vengeance]]",<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1070113/ | title=Denise Quiñones | publisher=[[Internet Movie Database]] | accessdate=2007-05-09}}</ref> while Adrianne Palicki appeared in the season three episode "[[Smallville (season 3)#Covenant|Covenant]]".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1597316/ | title=Adrianne Palicki| publisher=Internet Movie Database | accessdate=2007-05-09}}</ref> Rick Peters was cast as Bob Rickman in the season one episode "[[Smallville (season 1)#Hug|Hug]]".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0676648/ | title=Rick Peters | publisher=Internet Movie Database | accessdate=2007-05-09}}</ref> [[Kenny Johnson]], who briefly appears as the Sheriff in the pilot's opening, guest starred in the season five episode "[[Smallville (season 5)#Mortal|Mortal]]".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0425543/ | title=Kenny Johnson | publisher=Internet Movie Database | accessdate=2007-05-09}}</ref>
When the series was not picked up by the CW, Gough and Millar decided to cast Hartley as [[Green Arrow|Oliver Queen]], a recurring character for ''Smallville'''s sixth season,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1261997/ | title=Justin Hartley| publisher=Internet Movie Database | accessdate=2007-05-09}}</ref> appearing in seven episodes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://imdb.com/name/nm1261997/filmoseries#tt0279600 | title=Justin Hartley - Filmography by TV series | publisher=Internet Movie Database | accessdate=2007-05-11}}</ref> Amber McDonald was cast as Gloria, a [[Phantom Zone]] escapee, in the season six episode "[[Smallville (season 6)#Wither|Wither]]".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1945568/ | title=Amber McDonald| publisher=Internet Movie Database | accessdate=2007-05-09}}</ref> Alan Ritchson reprised his role from "Aqua", as Arthur Curry, for the ''Smallville'' season six episode "[[Smallville (season 6)#Justice|Justice]]".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2024927/ | title=Alan Ritchson | publisher=Internet Movie Database | accessdate=2007-05-09}}</ref>
===Filming===
[[Image:Teach_cast.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Senior Airman Leo Castellano teaches two actors how to present arms]]
Production was based in [[North Miami, Florida]];<ref name="___location">{{cite news | author=Suzy Valentine | url=http://www.miamitodaynews.com/news/060309/story4.shtml | title=Filming of 'Aquaman' pilot set to start here this week | publisher=Miami Today News | date=[[2006-03-09]] | accessdate=2007-05-07}}</ref> filming began in March 2006 with an estimated budget of $7 million.<ref name="___location"/> Practical and exterior footage was shot around [[Coconut Grove, Miami, Florida|Coconut Grove, Miami]].<ref name="___location"/> Some scenes were filmed on ___location at the [[Homestead Air Reserve Base]] in [[Homestead, Florida]].<ref name="homestead">{{cite web | url=http://www.homestead.afrc.af.mil/photos/media_search.asp?q=mercy%2Breef | title=Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla. - Media Search | publisher=Homestead Air Reserve Base | accessdate=2007-01-01}}</ref> The 482nd Fighter Wing Airmen were used as extras while filming at the base, along with several of their [[fighter aircraft]]s.<ref name="homestead"/> The production was expected to continue in June of that year, if it were given the [[greenlight]].<ref name="___location"/>
Some of the actors even received training from Senior Airman Leo Castellano on the proper way to [[Salute#Small Arms Salutes|present arms]].<ref name="homestead"/> Much of the filming took place underwater; Hartley filmed his underwater scenes without a tank, breathing from the safety divers' tanks around him for the scenes out on the ocean.<ref name="mediavillage">{{cite web | url=http://www.mediavillage.com/jmentr/2006/11/22/jmer-Hartley-11-22-06/ | title=Exclusive Interview with Justin Hartley of Smallville | publisher=Jack Myers Media Village | author=Ed Martin | accessdate=2007-05-01}}</ref> Hartley had never been scuba diving and was not a diver, but did say that he was a good swimmer.<ref name="mediavillage"/> Entity FX, who has done the special effects for ''Smallville'' since its second season, was contracted to work on the ''Aquaman'' pilot.<ref name="specialeffects">{{cite web | url=http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/1/prweb338874.htm | title= Entity FX Assists and Scores for the NHL | publisher=PR Web | accessdate=2007-01-05}}</ref>
==Cast and characters==
* '''[[Justin Hartley]]''' as '''[[Aquaman|Arthur "A.C." Curry]]''': is the central character of the show, and in his day-to-day life runs a dive shop. He is aware of his special abilities, but uses them for fun before learning in the pilot episode of his destiny as the lost Prince of Atlantis.<ref name="smallville100">{{cite news |author=Matt Webb Mitovich | url=http://www.tvguide.com/News-Views/Interviews-Features/Article/default.aspx?posting=%7B476CD7D6-1197-4300-A4E7-BE090D7AD7E4%7D | title=Smallville's 100th: Whose Number Is Up? | author=Matt Webb Mitovich | date=January 23, 2006 | publisher=TV Guide | accessdate=2006-10-21}}</ref>
* '''[[Denise Quiñones]]''' as '''Lt. Rachel Torres''': is a fighter pilot. She meets Arthur when he rescues her when her jet crashes in the ocean.<ref name="Pilot1"/>
* '''[[Ving Rhames]]''' as '''McCaffery''': a lighthouse keeper and A.C.'s mentor. Unknown to Arthur, he is also an Atlantean.<ref name="amtv_cast">{{cite news | url=http://aquamantv.com/aquacast.htm | title=Aquaman TV Pilot: Mercy Reef: The Cast | publisher=AquamanTV | accessdate=2007-05-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117938552?categoryid=14&cs=1&nid=2613 | title=Fox hunts down 'Bounty' comedy | author=Michael Schneider | date=February 20, 2006 | publisher=Variety | accessdate=2006-10-21 }}</ref>
* '''[[Lou Diamond Phillips]]''' as '''Tom Curry''': a Coast Guard officer. While in his rookie year, he rescues the infant Arthur (then named Orin), Atlanna, and McCaffery from shark-infested waters. He later falls in love with Atlanna, marrying her and adopting her son.<ref name="amtv_cast" />
* '''[[Rick Peters]]''' as '''Admiral Brigman''': has been investigating the apparent resurfacing of people around Mercy Reef who were lost in the Bermuda Triangle, some, as much as 40 years ago.<ref name="Pilot1"/>
* '''[[Amber McDonald]]''' as '''Eva''': A.C.'s business partner; together they run a dive shop in Tempest Keys. The two are close friends.<ref name="Pilot1"/>
* '''Daniella Wolters''' as '''Atlanna''': A.C.'s mother; she was taken from him when he was young, and her disappearance has mystified A.C. ever since. She was the first to call him 'Orin'.<ref name="Pilot1"/>
==Pilot summary==
[[Image:ACswim.jpg|thumb|250px|left|A.C. swims at superhuman speeds]]
The pilot begins with A.C. and his mother flying over the [[Bermuda Triangle]]. As they get closer, Atlanna's necklace begins to glow and a surge of light and energy erupts from the ocean. [[Cyclone]]s bring their plane down. Atlanna is kidnapped by a [[Siren]], but not before giving A.C. her necklace and calling him Orin. Ten years later, A.C. is charged for releasing [[dolphin]]s from a [[marine park]]. His father bails him out of trouble, but gives him a stern lecture on responsibility. Later, A.C. tells his friend Eva that he felt like the dolphins were calling to him. While he's working, he is approached by a lighthouse keeper who identifies himself as McCaffery. The [[Coast guard|Coast Guard]] picks up an unidentified man, floating in the Bermuda Triangle and pleading to warn Orin. Lt. Torres is sent to investigate the area. A.C. is also at the Triangle, and his necklace triggers another surge of light, which causes Torres to crash her [[Jet aircraft|jet]]. Brigman transports the John Doe to another facility, and persuades Torres to join his team. Brigman is looking for a connection between the disappearances of thousands of individuals, and their reappearance years later without ever aging a day.
That evening, A.C. meets Nadia and she convinces him to go swimming. In the water, Nadia reveals herself to not only be a Siren, but the one that took his mother. A.C. barely escapes with a little help from McCaffery. McCaffery explains that he, Arthur and Arthur's mother were all exiles from [[Atlantis]], and that A.C. is the prince of Atlantis. Arthur convinces Eva to leave Tempest Key for a few days, but it comes too late as Nadia injures Eva and captures Arthur. When he wakes up, A.C. finds that Nadia has also captured McCaffery and she is bringing them both back to Atlantis to be executed. After breaking free, A.C. destroys Nadia by putting a spear through her head. The next morning, McCaffery explains that there will be more creatures that will come looking for A.C. and that he should have started his training years prior. A.C. agrees to start his training, and McCaffery leaves him with ''[[Henry IV, Part 1|Henry IV Part 1]]'' and ''[[Henry IV, Part 2|Part 2]]'' to read. McCaffery informs Arthur, who isn't too keen on having to read the books, "It isn't about the ending, it's about the journey."
Ideas for future episodes focused on environmental threats, such as "ocean polluters" and "evil oil companies."<ref name="ing">{{cite web | url=http://au.tv.ign.com/articles/666/666474p1.html | title=The WB Reels in Aquaman | date=November 14, 2006 | publisher=IGN | accessdate=2007-01-01}}</ref> The first 13 episodes already planned out, with a possible story arc involving McCaffery being captured and taken back to Atlantis.<ref name="interviewi">{{cite web | url=http://ifmagazine.com/feature.asp?article=1904 | title=Exclusive Interview: Smallville co-creator Alfred Gough talks season six and Mercy Reef - part 2 | author=Anthony C. Ferrante | date=February 8, 2007 | publisher=iF Magazine | accessdate=2007-02-15}}</ref> Stories regarding mythology were set to play a small role in later episodes.<ref name="interviewi"/> Gough and Millar chose to go with a more classic version, from the comics, of Aquaman's mythology. Gough stated, "Unlike Superman, there really isn’t a set core mythology for Arthur Currie. There are a couple different versions of it. We went with the most classic one."<ref name="interviewi"/>
==Abilities and weakness==
{{Quote_box |width=40% |align=right |quote="It was at the point where he was beyond discovering his powers; he was breathing underwater. The interesting thing about it was, he didn't keep it a secret. He kind of used it to get laid and stuff."|source=Justin Hartley on A.C.'s abilities<ref name="igngreen">{{cite web | url=http://au.tv.ign.com/articles/720/720877p2.html | title=Comic-Con 2006: IGN Interviews Smallville's Newest Hero, The Green Arrow | author=Eric Goldman | publisher=IGN | accessdate=2007-01-05 }}</ref>}}
Hartley explained that Arthur would be aware of his powers at the beginning of the series, but would have no problem using them for personal gain. Hartley felt this played against the typical superheroes, because his character was not afraid to flaunt his abilities.<ref name="igngreen"/> Gough explained A.C. would be able to swim faster than humans, breathe underwater, as well as have super strength while underwater.<ref name="powers">{{cite web | url=http://www.aquamantv.com/ | title=CFQ Talks To Gough About Aquaman | publisher=Aquaman TV (highlights of a CFQ interview) | accessdate=2007-01-05 }}</ref> He said that exposure to water on land would give him powers.<ref name="powers"/> The extent of his speed is shown in the pilot, when Arthur is able to keep up with a fighter jet flying above him.<ref name="Pilot1"/> The pilot did not go into details over the extent of A.C.'s ability to breathe underwater, but he is seen swimming near the bottom of the ocean near the start of the pilot.<ref name="Pilot1"/> When A.C. is talking to Eva about releasing captive dolphins, he tells her that he felt as though the dolphins were somehow calling to him. In the comics, one of Aquaman's powers is the ability to communicate with sea life.<ref name="gamepower">{{cite web | url=http://www.netjak.com/review.php/552 | title=Aquaman: Battle for Atlantis | publisher=Netjak | accessdate=2007-01-05}}</ref> Gough likened A.C. not having access to water to that of Clark growing weak around [[kryptonite]] in ''Smallville'' - if A.C. does not get water, he will dehydrate and weaken.<ref name="powers"/> Water would give him a power boost, and enable producers to explore stories on land.<ref name="rt">{{cite news | url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/news/comments/?entryid=261816 | title=Aquaman Swims Into His Own WB Series | author=Scott Weinberg | publisher=Rotten Tomatoes | accessdate=2007-01-05 }}</ref>
==Release==
The pilot was considered to have a good chance of being picked up, but ultimately the CW passed on the show.<ref name="Debut 1">{{cite web | url=http://www.star-ecentral.com/tvnradio/tracks/tracks.asp?file=archives/tracks/2006/5/22Aquamancon&date=5/22/2006 | title=''Aquaman'' consigned to the depths | publisher=The Stare | date=[[2006-05-22]] | accessdate=2007-05-10}}</ref><ref name="Debut 2">{{cite web | url=http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20060603/ent/ent1.html | title=Pilots not taking off for soap stars this fall | publisher=Jamaica-Gleaner | date=[[2006-06-03]] | accessdate=2007-05-10}}</ref><ref name="Debut 3">{{cite news | author=Andrew Wallenstein | url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002315613 | title=2006-07 pilots | publisher=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] | date=[[2006-04-12]] | accessdate=2007-05-10}}</ref> Discussing the excitement surrounding the project, Lou Diamond Phillips said, "The funny thing about the Aquaman project is that there's so much buzz about it already. Which is amazing, I mean you don't usually get that with a pilot, because they're sort of sight unseen."<ref name="louquotes">{{cite news | url=http://www.movieweb.com/tv/news/29/11829.php | title=Lou Diamond Phillips Talks Aquaman! | author=Evan Jacobs | date=March 29, 2006 | publisher=MovieWeb | accessdate=2006-10-21 }}</ref> There were reports of two WB pilots in contention for the new CW network, one being ''Aquaman'', which was a frontrunner.<ref name="wizard">{{cite news | url=http://www.wizarduniverse.com/magazine/wizard/000852768.cfm | title='Aquaman' to resurface? | author=Ben Morse and Mel Caylo | date=July 10, 2006 | publisher=Wizard Entertainment | accessdate=2007-01-01}}</ref> On [[May 18]] [[2006]], when The CW announced its fall lineup ''Aquaman'' was not on the list. [[Dawn Ostroff]], the president of entertainment for The CW, stated that it was still a midseason contender.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://tv.ign.com/articles/709/709226p1.html | title=Upfronts Announcement: The CW's Schedule for 2006-2007 Season | author=Brian Zoromski | date=May 18, 2006 | publisher=IGN | accessdate=2006-10-21}}</ref>
Gough and Miller were so passionate about the pilot that they wanted it released in some form so the fans could see it.<ref name="wizard"/> Gough said in an interview, "The implication when a network doesn’t pick up a show is that the pilot sucks and that’s not the case. It’s not a perfect pilot by any stretch of the imagination. There are other reasons—which are a mystery to us—as to why The CW didn’t pick it up."<ref name=" wizard"/> He mentioned a potential release as an extended episode during the sixth season of ''Smallville''.<ref name="wizard"/>
On July 24, the pilot became one of the first shows offered by Warner Brothers on the [[iTunes Store]] (available only to US customers) for [[Dollar|$]]1.99, under the title ''Aquaman''. Within a week, it reached the number-one spot on the list of most downloaded TV shows on the digital store's list, and it held that spot for over a week.<ref name="iTunes #1">{{cite news| author=Whitney Pastorek|url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,1222708,00.html|title=The show that won't sink|publisher=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|date=[[2006-08-04]]|accessdate=2007-05-12}}</ref> Gough stated, "At least the pilot is now getting its day in court with the fans, and the reviews have all been very positive."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0607/26/index.htm | title=AQUAMAN/SMALLVILLE NEWS | publisher=Comics Continuum | accessdate=2007-01-05}}</ref> It became the first show available on iTunes which had not previously aired on a network.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.tv.com/tracking/viewer.html?tid=96954&ref_id=58404&ref_type=101&om_act=convert&om_clk=headlinessh&tag=headlines;title;0 | title='Aquaman' Pilot Hits iTunes | date=July 25, 2006 | publisher=TV.com | accessdate=2007-01-01}}</ref> The pilot was released the week of [[March 12]], [[2007]] on the [[Xbox Live Marketplace|Xbox Live Video Marketplace]].<ref name="Xbox">{{cite web|url=http://www.majornelson.com/archive/2007/03/13/video-marketplace-releases-for-week-of-3-12-07.aspx |title=Video Marketplace releases for week of 3/12/07 |work=Xbox Live's Major Nelson |date=[[2007-03-13]] |accessdate=2007-04-11 }}</ref> By March 24, the pilot reached #6 on the Video Marketplace's top downloads.<ref>{{cite news | author=Major Nelson | url=http://www.majornelson.com/archive/2007/03/20/video-marketplace-factoids-and-top-downloads-for-week-of-3-12.aspx | title=Video Marketplace facts and top downloads for week of 3/12 | publisher=MajorNelson.com | date=[[2007-03-20]] | accessdate=2007-05-13}}</ref>
===Reaction===
Critical response was generally positive. The pilot was found comparable in quality to ''Smallville'',<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=7365 | title=RIDE THE WAVE: "AQUAMAN" TRAILER LEAKED ONLINE | author=Arune Singh | date=May 18, 2006 | publisher=Comic Book Resources | accessdate=2007-01-06}}</ref> and most reviews suggested ''Aquaman'' was indeed worthy of a place on The CW's schedule.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://thetvaddict.com/?p=654 | title=Aquaman Pilot Review | publisher=The TV Addict | accessdate=2007-01-06}}</ref> The cast was well received; in addition, Hartley was praised for his portrayal of Arthur Curry.<ref name="review">{{cite news | url=http://www.kryptonsite.com/aquamanreview.htm | title=Pilot Episode Review: "Aquaman" | author=Craig Byrne | publisher=KryptonSite | accessdate=2007-01-06}}</ref> Cinematography and underwater special effects were well received.<ref name="review"/> Reviews which were not as positive did explain the show had potential.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.darkhorizons.com/news06/060521c.php | title="Aquaman" Early Look Goes Online | author=Garth Franklin | date=May 21, 2006 | publisher=Dark Horizons | accessdate=2007-01-06}}</ref> The project was commended for keeping the comic book myth fresh and exciting for a modern audience.<ref name="review"/> [[IGN]] had a different opinion of the show, calling it "dead in the water", and comparing it to "cheesy cult classics, such as ''Shazaam!''"<ref>{{cite news | author=Stax| url=http://tv.ign.com/articles/723/723403p1.html | title=Aquaman: ''Pilot'' Review | publisher=IGN | date=[[2006-08-04]] | accessdate=2007-05-07}}</ref>
==See also==
* [[Aquaman in popular media]]
* ''[[Birds of Prey (TV series)|Birds of Prey]]''
* ''[[Justice League of America (1997 film)|Justice League of America]]''
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
==External links==
*[http://www.
*{{imdb title|id=0498318|title=Aquaman}}
*{{Tv.com show|id=58404|title=Aquaman}}
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