***Note: The following transcripts are comprised of audio clips from the show, interspersed with Barbie narrating, then other fans speaking on what Vagrant Queen means to them and why it should come back. It finishes with Barbie narrating with more clips from the show. Audio clips from the show will be shown in black, bold lettering with brackets around each different line from the show. One other note, I included the entire transcript from the individuals that contributed, but for the podcast I edited it down for time.***
[Please take your seats, the ride of a lifetime is about to begin] [Does somebody want to explain what the hell is going on here?] This is a project that’s been in the works for weeks. We’ve heard from Vagrants that want to share their love of the show. We were waiting for news from Syfy for a renewal, but [Now we have nothing, NOTHING] [Keep your shoes on] because [the Foreseeable future will be a battle my love and we must prepare you for that.] So [Let’s do this] [You ready?] [We’re ready for this battle] [Please, this is Xija punk] [Buckle up] [It’s a transmission]
- Why Vagrant Queen is so important because it takes what we’re dealing with now and puts them in a context because it’s hard to think objectively when you’re in the middle of something. It’s something you really have to work hard to do, because when you’re in the middle of something, dealing with something, your emotions are going to cloud your judgement. So putting these issues into a show, and science fiction has been doing this for years, Star Trek was another show that did this a lot where they took issues and put it in the world of Star Trek and addressed them that way. And so putting these issues in a setting like Vagrant Queen, where we’re not Arriopan, we’re not from Amae’s planet. And seeing these situations in something we don’t have a stake it allows us to stop and think and process how wrong it is. [She’s right] And so then, hopefully, when we see it now, in the here and now, we can go ‘wait a minute, this is not right and we need to do something about it.’ Which is another reason why we need to keep Vagrant Queen and to renew it because it takes these issues and it shows us why they’re not right and these are lessons that we can then take and look at the world around us and say ‘this is wrong and we have to fix it, we have to do positive change.’ So yeah, we’re talking about how important it is to have the right message in mainstream media and since I have 8 seconds remaining I’m going to end it on that’s why we should renew Vagrant Queen, because we need to see these messages. [Yes I love that!]
- So like the first reason I like Vagrant Queen is because there’s a Black, queer lead. How often does that happen where there’s a Black queer lead character on a show? It … never happens. Like, it essentially never happens, super rare so I think that’s really cool. And I also like how all the side characters, they’ve got diverse side characters, like it’s not just all white people. I like that, too. And then I also like the different designs of the aliens, I think those are really cool, how like some of them are really, some of them look like humans, some of them don’t. I think that’s cool. [Say everything that comes to your mind] And I like how each episode explores the backstory of a different character in a different way, that’s awesome. And, I think that’s really interesting. And I also think it adds more layers to the characters and makes them like morally grey to the point where you can tell which characters are supposed to be they’re just bad, you understand the motivations behind their decisions but they’re just bad. But then there’s also characters where they’ve definitely done some bad things where you’re like that was definitely a questionable decision. But it’s still a decision that makes sense when you think about their past, I like that. And also found family is my favorite trope, and Vagrant Queen is found family. So, I am on board and also, just really like AI, I really like AI characters so I love Winnibot, she’s awesome. [Team Winni! Team Winni] And I really just, need to know what happens with Amae going to Earth with Xevelyn and Volun, I just … I need to know what happens so I need a season two.
- [I wanted to talk to you guys about something] SyFy must renew Vagrant Queen. [Anything to declare] Yes, representation MATTERS. And a show that features characters found nowhere else? It’s just that much more interesting than everything on television. Having a female creator, with female writers and directors, gives this show a voice that is new to the scene. But this show should also get renewed because it’s top notch. The writing is great and fresh and unpredictable. Just when you think you’re seeing a worn out TV trope, Jem turns it on its head and you realize you’ve walked right into it. The hair, the make-up, the prosthetics can’t be beat. And even the extras are shown with natural hair, which is not exactly celebrated in television. The visuals of the entire thing are stunning. The characters have great humor, but also great pathos and we travel an uneasy, and unexpected path with them. Vagrant Queen should have been given a better chance. A timeslot that didn’t involve taking naps and setting alarms to be able to watch it. With the passionate following it gained at 11 PM on a weeknight, imagine how the fandom would grow if it was shown in primetime. This is a fresh voice, buoyed by an incredibly talented cast and crew and they all should be heard.
- [I should tell you something] Why I think Vagrant Queen should be renewed. First of all,TV needs representation. You have a strong Black lead, they represent the LGBT plus, you know put all the words in it, but you have South Africans from Capetown that play multiple characters and does an awesome job. This is a low-budget TV show that came out AMAZING. I mean amazing to the T. [How else would you describe it?] Elida did, I mean Adriyan did a great job playing Elida, bringing this character to life. Isaac, you got the Canada, not America but Canada person from Earth, in space with all these aliens, and he just operates, anytime he says a joke nobody gets it. Maybe Elida because she’s been around him maybe 2-3 years. But then you have the awkward moments between Elida and Amae and everybody is screaming at the TV saying kiss, kiss kiss, and we finally got it and it you leave it right there we’re all going to be pissed. I mean, we need more of representation for the LGBT plus, plus Black characters. We have a lot of those in this TV show. [Tell me more] I love it personally, because I’m an awkward person. I really don’t interact much, but when it comes to TV shows I can relate to Elida because she was alone most of her life, she thought her mom was dead, then she wasn’t dead, well, my mom’s actually dead, but enough about me, This TV show is amazing. Everything. And then they say ‘asshat’ because I say asshat all the time when people piss me off. But when they have these corny side jokes like ‘tough titties sunshine’ it’s funny! They come out of the blue, and then ‘are you afraid of silence?’ But it’s so funny because Adriyan is so sweet. Her character is a totally different - she’s totally different than her. So she is on TV with different people that I really don’t recognize much, I feel like that should be given a chance. [It doesn’t mean we need to go down that easily] I love the TV show, I’m going to continue to support it, because it’s an amazing TV show. Yeah. That’s all I got to say. [Shall we continue?]
- [There was something I wanted to talk to you guys about] (Barbie) I want you to talk about Vagrant Queen. What do you like about the show, and why you think it should come back? (A) Wait, that was the last episode? (Barbie) That was the last episode. (A) I like Vagrant Queen. I want it to come back because it’s so good. (M) I like Vagrant Queen and I also want it to come back ‘cause it’s so good. And also I want it to come back is because all the characters look so cool. (A) And I want Vagrant Queen to come back ‘cause I like Vagrant Queen and it is so nice and I like the part where -- (M) It’s so nice?? (A) And I like the part when I like when Lazaro and Vagrant Queen battles. (M) And Eldaya. (A) Eldaya too. (M) I mean Elida, Elida. (A) I like Lazaro and Elida like, battling. (Barbie) Who’s your favorite character? (M) My favorite character is Isaac. (Barbie) Why? (M) Because he’s a boy. (A) I like Amae, I mean Alex in Vagrant Queen and all of the girls. (M) You’re supposed to say, you’re supposed to say Amae. (A) Amae’s brother, I mean sister, Amae … Chaz and Amae. [I know what family means] (M) Bye? Bye. (A) Byyye.
- [Bring forth the next subject] Hello Syfy, this is a direct transmission from the gay mafia in space. Space looks a lot like a bedroom, don’t worry about it. It’s come to our attention that you’ve seen fit to cancel any future seasons of Vagrant Queen. [Do enlighten us, do] We want to let you know that this decision is rather senseless and we do not agree with it. We reached out to Amae for comment, and she had the following to say: [you’re just a, a, an asshole!] You made Amae tell you that you’re an asshole, that’s pretty bad. But fortunately there is a way out of this. You can see fit to save Vagrant Queen. Any other network out there, if you’d be willing to save this incredibly quirky and fun little sci-fi jaunt with a lot of gayness, we would be very appreciative. [Elida would have us out of this predicament in a second] It’s extremely important to us that this TV show continue on. You could say that it means a great deal to us. And we are of course prepared to show any type of support that we can to any network, any individual, that can keep this program going. This program that has meant a whole lot to all of us. In just one short season it’s already captured a lot of our hearts. So we must ask you, please, save Vagrant Queen. Why? Because representation matters. [She’s got a point]
- Hi this is a Vagrant fan here speaking of the show Vagrant Queen that WAS on Syfy and during the month, just at the end of the month of Pride is still during the month of Pride, you know pride is always a year round thing. Deciding during this time and also in recent, after the recent statements in support of Black lives after the revolution that’s really been happening on the streets in the US and across the world, Syfy really decided ‘yep, we’re going to cancel this queer, Black woman led show’ on a network where as other Vagrant Queen fans have pointed out, we’re going to cancel this show where the only other show on this network that are really even like the lead as in hosting by Black people is this two reality type game shows. [Interesting] Other than that it’s white, white, white, white, white. So it’s really a slap in the face and upsetting and we want this show to continue. If not on Syfy, we want to get the attention and support it really deserves on another network. [That doesn’t sound like too much] Whichever way it happens, it deserves to continue, and we deserve to see Amae reunite with her queen. And we really want that to happen and it’s something that’s really important now in these trying times it’s an amazing show, so I’m putting that out there. [Patience is a virtue]
- Hello. Vagrant Queen is important because the queer and BIPOC representation the characters bring to the show means there is something about the characters that will resonate with almost everyone. But these traits aren’t made out to be the most interesting things about the characters. I feel like we really get to know the characters and some of them just happen to be queer, or have different colored skin. I mean, Amae has purple skin and horns, but she’s known for her mechanical whiz skills and for being the most adorable player in another galaxy. [What can I say? I love people.] The show’s been a safe place, a constant, over the lockdown period when every other aspect of normal life in our galaxy has been turned on its head. So I feel like the little family-like community of support we’ve created has really been important to a lot of us in these times. [I chose to be here, and I choose to stay]
- I think Vagrant Queen needs to be saved because not only is it a funny show, with a compelling story that is both thought-provoking and stimulates the whole spectrum of human emotions with its relatable characters that are played by fabulous, super talented actors. [I couldn’t think of a better team] But I also think it needs it to be saved because I’m a straight, white, single mom in a predominantly white, heterosexual community and I want my children to embrace the comcept that what society perceives as normal doesn’t necessarily equal fact. I want it to be normal for my children to see a strong, smart, sensitive, queer woman of color as the hero. I want my children to have a desire to build positive, encouraging relationships with people of all colors, orientations, and any other things that can make people different from one another. I want them to be able to focus on their similarities and their strengths. Minority representation aside, I also really appreciate the many examples of integrity and loyalty displayed by Vagrant Queen’s heroes. They’re imperfect [Being vulnerable isn’t a weakness, it’s a strength] and they make mistakes like we all do, but at the end of the day, they fight for each other and what they believe in with everything they’ve got. And I think that makes Vagrant Queen fighting for.
Now you’ve heard from fans, the fans want to make sure the cast and crew know that [I’m a fan] [Because Everyone needs someone to have their back] and [We’re with you all the way]. We can [Handle this one together], because [You’re not alone, so why fight alone?] [Whatever you need, you’ve got it] so let’s [Give ‘em hell]
We have been asking networks and streaming services to pick up this fantastic show because we know that when it’s picked up [Producers are going to be fighting to the death for the rights] We understand ratings probably played a part in the cancellation, and it was likely an easy excuse to use. However, [What’s easy isn’t always what’s right] We know that this show has so much positive representation, and it’s important to see ourselves on TV. It’s been said already, but representation matters, and more than that, POSITIVE representation matters. I’m old enough to say [I’ve never had anything like this as a kid] We know how important it is to [Be yourself, because that’s all you should be] [This is bigger than me] [A fate of the galaxy type deal] and [If one of us falls, we all fall] [What’d you think you were here for, free swag?] Because we will pay for swag, that’s been proven with just how many T-shirts Vault Comics has sold, the fan art, and how much we had to beg Jem for hats. [Yeah it’s worth it] Whatever you need, [I will do anything] [I just need you to know that I’m here]
I guess what I’m trying to say is [We’re a team] [We’re not going anywhere] [If we’re going down, I’m going all out] We are not ready to give up this fight. [I can’t lose this again] [I know very well that once you set your mind on something, there’s no changing it] This show meant a lot to a lot of people. Syfy already cancelled this. [We however will never stop fighting] [We are the revolution] [Learn to fight or learn to die] [I’m not going anywhere and neither are you] [Let’s do this] We can’t have the series end like this: [Alright, time to go find my sister] [Amae was on that ship] [They’re gone] [Let’s go get our ship back] [It’s gonna be fine] [We’ll see you real soon, okay?] In conclusion [Karaoke: Baby we can make it if we're heart to heart/And we can build this thing together/Stand the stormy weather/Nothing's gonna stop us now/And if this world runs out of lovers/We'll still have each other/Nothing's gonna stop us/Nothing's gonna stop us now/ I’m so glad I found you] So, can we have our show back? [Uh, please?]