Steve Geaghan and the Mystery of the Missing Watcher Stamp

Well, it's here.  The entry I've been telling you Watcherettes....

(Oh that will go over swell with the fans.)

... about, Steve Geaghan had agreed to answer a few questions in regards to the creation of the Watcher concept on HL-TS.  They were sent through my buddy and your official Highlander Locations Expert, Andy Slone.  Thank you Andy and thank you Mr. Geaghan.

Stick around for a brand new feature after the interview!!  BONUS!!  Part one of 'Bad Watcher' written by me.  I hate fan fiction, this is my way of fighting back.  Critics have said...."It's ok."  Yet another critic raved, "I chuckled."
Now, onto my interview with Steve Geaghan!

_____________________

Could you give us your personal particulars, age, location, occupation, level of hatred for Morrissey,….

Born in New Brunswick NJ, BA Tusculum College Greeneville Tn. MA Univ. of BC. Canada, Production Designer.  It's all on my web site: stephen-geaghan-designer.com

How did your involvement in Highlander start? 
I was interviewed by Bill Panzer, Barry Rosen and Gary Goodman and hired from among 4 or 5 others.

Were you aware of the film before your work on Highlander - The Series, your thoughts? Were you a fan?

Yes, I had seen the film and found its subject matter compelling.  When I was hired Bill Panzer gave me one piece of advice before I started to design the main sets and this placed the mood for the entire series,"Remember, you never know what you're going to find behind a door in the world of the Highlander."  

 
What were your duties on the show and what years did you dedicate to the series?

I was the Production Designer.  The Designer is responsible for everything that goes in front of the camera that isn't an actor.  Everything.  I designed the first 4 seasons of Highlander before I went on to Design The Outer Limits for MGM for 6 seasons.

Do you have any Highlander tattoo's? If not, can you wrap your head around the level of, what would YOU call it, for someone to permanently alter their appearance ultimately for the love of a franchise?

No.  I don't have any tattoos.  My gut feeling about franchise freaks… Well I've been to Comicon and seen it all.  Conversely the archetypal backbone of the show Highlander is that good overcomes evil - mostly and Duncan Mcleod must balance his need to survive with his prime directive and his personal philosophy of helping the unfortunate.  A good Judeo/Christian life stance in my opinion. 

 


Are you currently still in the biz? (any interviewer worth his/her salt would have done some research moron.)

Yes.  I am currently preparing to Design season 3 of Defiance for NBC/SyFy.
 
How did the creation of the Watcher concept come about and was there an evolution of sorts in the design of the symbol?

 I designed the watchers tatt under the direction of Bill Panzer who wanted something medieval and primitive, simple, that might suggest a bird or a fleur de lis but not be too on the nose.  I recall I presented him 3 or 4 variations.  He chose the one that became gospel.  It was lopsided and imperfect and that seemed to satisfy him. 


Is it true a rubber stamp was used to apply the Watcher symbol onto the actor's wrist? 

My art director Richard Cook carved the first one in cork after Bill okayed it.  Then the Props master Don Buchannan had several stamps made in rubber.
 
Where is that rubber stamp? 
Long gone.  When the show went down after season 5 all that stuff went into storage and was eventually sold off at auction in Vancouver. That must be around 20 years ago.

What has been your reaction, if any, when you meet a fan who just MUST show you his/her body art? 

Never met one.  But if you are female and have a Highlander tatt where the sun never shines I might be inclined to have a look see.I'm going to suggest that you study and listen to all the interviews on the Highlander DVD's.  There's a lot of information to be gained about how the show was done there.

Well, that's it.  And PLEASE check out Steve's website.  The first pic you see is that beautiful Antique shop interior.  stephen-geaghan-designer.com

_________________________

Bad Watcher


To: Watcher Headquarters, North America
From: Joe Dawson

     It troubles me to have to write to you once again but I truly do not think Josh Lehman is working out. I have attached the following descriptions of transgressions and violations of the Watcher Rules and Regulations and request he be dismissed forthwith.
Signed,
Joe Dawson
---
Attachment 1
In regards to Josh Lehman (nickname 'Keg Killer'); I had some hope that Mr. Lehman would take the responsibility of being a Watcher seriously since graduating the academy 188 out of a class of 188 in 2002. I was in error.
His first report was rife with errors and language inappropriate to this organization, and they have gotten progressively worse.
I submit, Watcher Report Number 49-6843-jl.
I quote,
"Yo Joe! 'Sup? This is some cool sh** man! That dude you got me watching took some other dudes head last night. I don't remember much cuz I was soooo wasted man. I met this girl at the club and we hit it off (if you know what I mean, wink wink). Anyway, this ends my report. Peace out.
Signed,
Keg Killer Lehman

Joe here again;  I believe our experiment of including the Watchers at Career Day at various collages across the country was not in our best interest.


(cont. next time)

Tom Casey - Kurgan, Ramirez AND Connor

Youse guys ain't gonna believe today's issue of HIGHLANDER - THE INKED.  Three classic tatts featuring Connor, Kurgan AND Ramirez all on one true fans flesh!!!

I think it's safe to say we have a very special special guest lined up for the near future.  Steve Geaghan, Production Designer for Highlander -The Series and current PD for the hit show Defiance is the rumored creator of both the Watcher concept and the design of the 'tattoo'.  Steve has agreed to answer some questions.  

I got like a fan boner here. 

_________________________________________________________________________________

On to the here and now.  Featured in this past December issue of  Rebel Ink, I wanted Tom to introduce himself. the guy's got a story.  So throw on Queen's 'It's A Kind of Magic' for ambiance, grab some popcorn and spend a few minutes in his skin.

Tom Casey, Triple Play!!

     "My name is Tom Casey, 49 years old and divorced for 10 years. I live in Coventry Rhode Island and I work at Precision Harley-Davidson in Pawtucket RI. I remember watching the original Highlander movie in 1986 and was instantly hooked!!

As a young adult at the time, I was drawn in to the symbolism, power and true meaning of good vs evil. Although no one man can live forever, I felt the pain in Conner as he held back his feelings knowing that nothing lasts for eternity.

What a fancy peacock

The symbolism in my world relates to my Dad. His illness took him away from me 3 years a go. The Kurgan is the disease and he, Conner. Always fighting til the end, he never gave up!
My first Highlander Tattoo was Ramirez. He is now my Dad, my guardian. Whenever I am lost or in need of advice, I know he is always there looking out for me.
My second is The Kurgan. It is a constant reminder to never take anything for granted. Life is not easy and it can be taken away from you at any time."

_____

HTI - Who was the tattoo artist you chose?

TC - Sarah Miller is one of the best!!! She placed second on Ink Masters. I became close friends with her a couple years ago.

"I know everything...I see everything..I am everything!!"

HTI - Do you get any feedback from fans?

TC - I get them all the time!! Most people ask why I did that. To me, it's a personal thing. Every morning as I look in the mirror, I see my Dad watching over me!! To me, that is priceless!!

HTI - When and where did you get them?  Did you have to travel far?

TC - Over the last year and a half.  I got them done in New Hampshire, Allentown PA, and Pittsburgh PA.

HTI - I noticed a motor sickle in your Facebook pics.  You like to ride?  How long?

Shhh. Quiet. Just look, don't say anything. Take it in.

TC - Love to ride!!! been riding since 1972. I work for Harley-Davidson and got my first bike from my Dad on my 7th birthday. He taught me how to ride then and I've been riding ever since!!

HTI- What keeps you busy these days?  Got any hobbies?  Do you hate Morrissey as much as I seem to?

TC - I'm a workaholic. Harley's are a passion and I live the dream!!! Morrissey...... not a fan!!!!

HTI - Were you into the television incarnations of Highlander?

TC - No.

And with that answer I jumped on Tom's Harley and stole it.  Thank you Tom not only for the bike but for your participation and sharing your beautiful artwork.  Not that this is a contest but you win so far.

Take a minute and check out Sarah Miller extreme talent at her Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/sarahmillertattoos

AND YOU PEOPLE - Please keep spreading the HIGHLANDER - THE INKED word.  This blogthing ceases to exist when people stop wanting to show their Highlander tat's and tell their singular stories.


BONUS FEATURE!
Yet another installment of BAD WATCHER

(Oh boy.  You very bad writer Rusty.  People too polite to tell you.)

Blow me Koto.  I'm unique.

BAD WATCHER 2

"'Attached is the second report filed by Josh 'Keg Killer' Lehman, further proof he is not Watcher material.
Signed, Joe Dawson

-Attachment 2-

'Hey, Joe dude. I've been thinkin' and I was wondering if instead of the Watcher tat, I could get this killer ink I saw? It's the one Vin Diesel had in XXX (Triple X). I know you've been on my case about getting the Watcher tattoo but I really hate needles man and I thought the xxx would be, you know, more personal and unique.
Oh, btw, I lost the dude you got me watching. I forget his name, I got it written down somewhere, I'll find it.
Anyway, I'm out. I got tickets to Ozzy tonight!!!  GOING OFF THE WALLS ON A CRAZY TRAIN!! Hey Joe, you like Ozzy?

Peace out, Josh'."

--CONT. next time if you are good--

Sally Nickle and Her Pickle

       "I saw what you wrote on wanting to get a Highlander tattoo."

That's how this blog entry started.  Me chatting with a fellow Highlander buddy.

No tat's today.  This is about one person dealing with her demons.  Fighting the forces of evil with no clear victor in sig...

(No it is not at all.)

Whatever Koto, it got me thinking. And chattin' with a long time HLBB forum friend and female Highlander fan.
  Please keep an eye out for Sally's take on the four pictures I stole from her Facebook to caption AND the less than stellar formatting job I do in this entry.  Back to regular programming with the next entry.

__________



This was taken at my daughter, Lara's,

wedding in 2011.

 That's "Baby" in my lap.

 Lara got her for her first birthday,

and she was in the wedding!

 Sally Nickle - Hey, you could ask me why I'm interested in a watcher tat and whether I'll chicken out or not

Highlander-The Inked - Miss Sally, that is exactly the type of question I would ask someone ruminating the possibility of a tattoo. YOU'RE A MINX!! A mind reader!! An interview foreteller!!

SN - Mind, I've been drinking a lil bit.

HTI - Those are the best answers!  So how you doing?

SN - I'm doing pretty good. How about you?

HTI - I'm ok, got the estate by myself, Koto is off at his Sunday gig at the church, he DJ's. What are you doing?

SN - Just watching an old sci fi on TV

HTI - Oh, ok, when you are free then.  Why Highlander for you?

SN - I've always liked period pieces, and that appealed to me. The hot men in kilts didn't hurt, either.

I also like the writing. The stories are intriguing and include a lot of historical flashbacks

HTI - Do you have a screen capture of Adrian's buttocks on your computer Miss Sally?

SN - Maybe!  He was on my desktop for a long time, but he was wearing a kilt.

HTI - You didn't say romance. You have breastcicles. You guys love romance.

SN - True! There is a lot of romance in HL. I particularly liked Amanda with Duncan.

HTI - Chemistry!  Science ain't figured that one out yet. So what are you thinking about, design wise?

SN - I think I'd like a small Watchers' tattoo on the inside of my left wrist, probably in black.  It will be my first, so I don't really want a big one. Damn, that sounds dirty.

HTI - Are you a dirty girl?

SN - Hubby says I am.  Don't be nervous, dear.  Am I your first girl?  To interview, I mean.

HTI - yes

SN - I will be gentle then.

This is me and my husband when we were first 
engaged in 1978.  I think I was writing something on his knee.  
Probably ruined those jeans.

HTI - It ain't good if someone ain't crying. Momma tolt me that.
Getting H'inked (I just made that up) is a very personal choice. Yin/Yan, pro/con, take us through that metal web of cotton candy you must be going through. So what is holding you back?

SN - I've been thinking about a tat for a long time, but haven't been sure what to get. I'm at that delicate age when everything begins to go south, so I don't want to put anything anywhere that it will start to sag in the near future. I recently decided on putting a favorite quote on my right shoulder blade, and thought I would get the Watchers' tat at the same time.

HTI - You have been very forthcoming and thank you for the image of your future breasts. They snuck in there somehow, you are a wonderful weaver of words.

What is the quote, pray tell?

SN - The quote is: "Normal is an illusion. What is normal for the spider, is chaos for the fly." Morticia Addams

HTI - That is so good.

HTI - Are you afraid of the pain that is inherent in the tattooing process?

This was  taken at a museum in Pensacola.
I jumped the rails to play with an old loom.  I'm a rebel like that.

SN - Not really.  I'm not afraid of needles and I think I can stand the pain.  I did have a baby, after all.

HTI - It's not that bad, in all honesty. I rate the pain a 3 on my Ben-Gay on the scrotum meter. Oh my god. Don't ask me why I did it, but I did. I had one leg strattling the sink, scrubbing and rinsing those tender nibblets.

Hum.  Not sure that's going on the blog.

SN - Oh please put that in!

HTI - Gonna let that one go.  You never answered the peoples question, and by 'people' I mean me; What is holding you back?

Wow, this is an old one.  I was about 12 years old, at my best friend, Vicki's, house.

SN - What's holding me back right now is the money. Also, I have a friend in Mississippi who used to own a tattoo parlor and I'm waiting until we go see him. I know he will do a good job since he did both of hubby's tats.

HTI - Nice!!  Did I ask 'Why Highlander?'

SN - Yeah, in the beginning.

HTI - Oh.  Ok.

---

(sorry about the formatting.  something went weird halfway through.)

Rusty Bollocks - Eh

I had to buy this pole lunch, it was only right.

      Hi, I'm Rusty!
            Highlandarians, thank you!!  And Dave Davis, I want to thank you for getting the first one off the ground, technically and with a great story.  You didn't bore Koto AT ALL and that is rare.

(True, Mr. David, you interesting man unlike Rusty.)

In just 2 days I've been hit with more leads than I had ever imagined.  HIGHLANDER-THE INKED has 2 more interviews in the works featuring YOU, Highlander fans that chose Highlander as their muse and their skin as the expression.  In just 2 days!!  Over 3 millions page views already and I thi......

(You big fat American liar.  Just under 100 views, I looked it up.  And 'Highlandarians'?  Sounds like a mountainous region in Moronica, your place of birth, your home.  You moron Rusty.)

Koto.  I will not have this on my blog.  I'm trying to do something good here, to give back and share and what are you doing?!?!  I asked that the Bentley be detailed for my lunch today.  You haven't even touched it!

(Rusty, I have idea.  You have stupid Watcher tattoo, why not have me interview you for your blog?  I'm your valet and chauffeur.  I know you pretty well, I come up with goooood questions. )

Hum.  Interesting.  OK!  But you still doing the Bentley.

<-------- Bentley, from The Jeffersons



Yeah, we got it Koto, you don't need to point out the unfunny.  So let's do this, interview me away!

(Rusty, why you moron?)

Oh gosh, late 80's I guess.  I worked at Technidisc, a replication plant for vhs, cd, laserdisc and something else, I forget but we pressed Highlander, the first one, holy shit what an experience.  I took home a copy that was just laying there doing nothing but being lazy.  I took it.  I watched it.

(What you did was illegal.  I'm calling the F.B.I.)

Flash forward a few years and I catch word that it's gonna be a tv show.  Followed it but fell out upon Richie's death.  It is what it is but it became much bigger after a few years.

(You are boring me, I am bored.  Ok, why get a tattoo of anything?)

The Watchers.  The idea of chroniclers, historians.  How they can record the current, influenced by events and people, hopefully without bias but rarely.  It's human nature to add color.  But it should mean something to add color to yourself as well.  I carried the image of the tattoo I would later get in my wallet for over 2 years to make sure it was something I really wanted or a passing fancy.

(Speaking of fancy, you like the boys.  Why you gay?)

I don't know how to answer that other than I once asked my doctor "Why can't I see out of my right eye?" and all he said was, "You're blind in that eye, you were born that way".  Some things get fucked up some times.

(Did it hurt?)

I would rather not discuss my sex lif....

(The tattoo, moron.)

Funny story.  My sister asked me the same question a few years ago while we were at a Carls Jr.  I took a plastic knife and rubbed it across my wrist to see if I could approximate the pain and really hurt myself. Those fucking knives are brutal.  (Sorry for the profanity.)  Sis saw my pain and laughed.

David Abramowitz signed it at HLWW9 in L.A.

(Where did you get it and how much money did you waste?)

Blow me Koto.  Got it in Kenniwick, Washington from a guy who worked at a Walmart, overnights in 2007.  30 bucks.  His studio was in his apartment.  Very clean which was important for me.

(What the hell are you talking about?  I clean up after you.  You are not a clean freak.  I have seen you walk away from the urinal in mid-stream.)

I think this interview is over.  You keep bringing that up.

(Hey Rusty, where you going?  Hum.  He slammed his laptop screen and nearly defenestrated the chair from which he was sitting.  

Rusty?  Hey Rusty??  Boss?  You gotta come back and click "Publish".  You never gave me admin status for this blo....)

Dave Davis - Watcher Tattoo

If you or you know someone with a Highlander related tattoo, please let us know in the comments.  This blogthing is about sharing YOUR Highlander stories.  (no, not fan-fic or slash, well maybe slash stories)

HIGHLANDER - THE INKED

A Blogthing Celebrating the People With Highlander Tattoo's

oh shut up, no it is not the stupidest thing you've ever seen.

-Double D-

DAVE DAVIS Watcher tattoo blue ink left wrist

          Many in the Highlander fandom community are familiar with David Davis.  In my head I created an action figure of him dressed in a trench coat and fedora and when I finally met him in person I was disappointed.  But not for long because Dave is a wonderful story teller and man of many talents and stuffed 2 lifetimes of accomplishments in his 61 years.
Here is a brief convo we had just an hour ago.  (Thanks for the blogs' name man, spot on.)

Tell me your Highlander story, first encounter of the franchise.

DAVE DAVIS- I first heard about the original film in 1985 while I was still a member of the San Diego Comic Con. There was a large standing display with images of the principle characters, Connor, Ramirez, Kurgan and Brenda along with a exerpt of the opening speech.  I waited and watched out for any Trailers that aired on TV for almost a year and when it finally came out I saw it on the Big Screen and was hooked.

HIGHLANDER- THE INKED- Can you remember anything about the night that stood out, was special? Like did a carjacking happen or...

Dave- Swords, Immortality, Romance and The Fabulous Freebirds! What more could a young-ish Geek want?

HTI- It's a great fucking movie. Say that in your own words please.

Dave- It was a Hot Summer Night.

HTI- Is that an ABBA reference?

Dave- No.

HTI- GODDAMN BLOG FROZE UP!! Too much awesome I guess.

Dave- I do have that effect...

HTI- I think this conversation is going on the blog verbatim. holy shit, I spelt verbatim correctly. The word Tongue always gets me. HA! Spelled that one right the first time too!

Dave- lol

Me visiting Dave in '09 pre-weight loss.  I'm looking away because I think I scared him with the suprise titty twister.  I'm ashamed.

HTI- The moment your brain said, "Yup, it's time.", take me back there when you made the decision to get your Watcher tattoo.

Dave- I had wanted a new Tat for a long time, but finding the right one was the problem. I can't remember exactly which episode of the series first introduced The Watchers, but when I saw it I said, "That's the one!" The problem was affording it, so it took me almost 20 years to find a place that I could afford. That was in 2012 and it cost $30.00. I got it (on the left wrist) in a light Blue so it would look like I'd had it for a long time and now it looks very old and faded a little.
(Well I think your tattoo looks fricking great man. Hey readers, if you know the episode David is talking about, let us know in the comments.)

HTI- Some people might give a shit that you were involved in the early years of the overhyped, over attended SAN DEIGO COMIC CON. Tell us about it. Pretend the people reading this have no clothes on. I heard that helps with nerves.

Dave- In 1977 I attended my first San Diego Comic Con at the El Cortez Hotel as a Volunteer for Security under Gene Henderson. I had a great time helping out and meeting all kinds of great people. After the Con was over I was invited to attend a meeting of the Members of the Board of Directors where I first met Shel Dorf. When I was introduced, Shel complimented me on my help structuring the security system so everyone could have a chance to attend the panels and see the programs they wanted. He invited me to join this small group of Fans to help out planning the next convention. Fast forward to 1979 and the Con at the old Downtown Convention Center. I was still helping out with Security and where ever else I was needed. I was helping set up for the Celebrity Art Auction when we were informed that our Celebrity Auctioneer wasn’t there. I asked what we should do and who can replace him. Someone pointed at me and said, “You do it”! I said, “Huh? Who me? What am I supposed to do?” I spotted Shel and told him the dilemma and asked him what to do. He said, “You need to go ask the artists to come up and draw something for the fans.” I was full of bluster and bravado when it came to the fans, but the artists kind of intimidated me a little since I had been reading comics since I was six years old and they were like Gods to me. Shel put his hand on my shoulder and said to me, “Just talk to them and never be afraid to ask them anything.” After that day I ceased being a giggling Fan Boy and started making friends with the people I had admired and respected for so long. By talking to them I learned a lot about how they did things and got to hear some great stories from people like Jack Kirby, Rick Hoberg, John Romita, (Jr and Sr), Scott Shaw! and a hundred or more others. In 1980 I asked Shel if he would be my best man at my wedding to my wife Kathy and was so proud and pleased when he said yes. On August 2nd, 1980 Kathy and I were married in the U.S. Grant Hotel during the 1980 Con. On that day Shel became more than a friend, he became a brother. Even after I had moved on from the Convention I always remembered Shel fondly. I really miss him.

HTI- Holy shit, I wasn't expecting a novel Dave but I read it and found it very touching.  Speaking of touching, you much have found it cockle warming to have so many people rooting for you during your years long cancerfuckyouverymuch ordeal.  But you gave us all some news recently....

Dave, taken 6-14.  One hot sweet potatoe!!  (yes with the 'e')

Dave- Yes, I'm free of Cancer and if it wasn't for the support of Friends on Facebook and Family I would have had a very rough go of it.  Before weight, 465 pounds. Latest Weight, 220 pounds.

HTI- That is the awesomest thing I've read today but it's been slow.  Do you have any final comments or praise for me?

Dave- No.


HEY!  If any of you guys have any ideas on how I can put some contact information on these pages so you can contact me in regards to getting you or someone you know featured on this site, let me know.
(He eats, breathes, poops just like us, but Rusty is not like us.)

This is me, Rusty, holding a head massager.  Feels weird but good.  
Ate the hell out of those Ritz.  PB and Ritz.

If you or you know someone with a Highlander related tattoo, please let us know in the comments.  This blogthing is about sharing YOUR Highlander stories.  (no, not fan-fic or slash, well maybe slash stories)

Hey, I hope Davis/Panzer the people that brought us and continue to bring us Highlander, are ok with this.  Just sharing the love.

shit, I gotta remember html to do this?  Oh, I guess not.  Humm.  Well, hopefully this new journey ends well. 
Howdy.

If you felt passionate enough to defile your body joyfully with a Highlander Watcher tatt or ANY Highlander related body art, please contact me, I want to tell YOUR story.

Mon nom est Rusty Bollocks and I welcome you to Highlander - The Inked, a blogthing.  I'm not going to explain Highlander here, if you don't know, go away or just look at the pretty tattoos that will surely accumulate here, soon.  Wiki it.


(Oh, you so rude Rusty.  Rudeman Rusty, your new name.  Blog that.)


KOTO!!  NO!! BAD! My valet and chauffeur everyone, I am so sorry.  He is from Asian, different culture.  They think it's ok to hack into their EMPLOYERS COMPUTER and make comments whenever they see fi.....


(Only sometimes.)






well hell, I can't add pictures.  What's the point in having a blogthing if it doesn't include content relevant to the fucking topic at hand?  I will figure this out, bear with me.
"We'll fix it in post!!!"


-THIS JUST IN-
DAVID DAVIS (CA-USA) has agreed to share his story and let me tell you, the guys got some history in him, himself.
ok, let's see, how do I post this?  button, no save, yeah should save I guess.  Where the hell is post?  There's preview.  Options?


(Moron)