leolion811 wrote: Does anyone know where Nicole is originally from? I know she is from a military family and I grew up with the Steinwedells and that Bob Steinwedell is in the military. Wonder if she could be his daughter? It would be a small world!! I believe Bob moved to Texas and he remarried years ago and I know he has children. Thanks!!

leolion811 wrote: To each his own opinion.

nynaevelan wrote: I am not buying it, otherwise Natural Selection was bogus. She can be in the Unit but she cannot be an operative without going through the selection process. If they try that, then they have diminished the credibility of the show.Nyn

mxmartinifan wrote: I think Foley's character was annoyed with Bridgette too in the scene when she was handing out the clothes and saying she would be the "eye candy" at the club, and when she made that remark about Col. Ryan, and when she was yapping to Jonas in the last scenes.

dagaz_82 wrote: Okay, I know that this won't make some people happy...

Squirrel1772 wrote: While I certainly agree that the flow of storylines in the first season was my favorite of all, the viewpoints on this board about the writers having to mix things up a bit, because of the changes in public opinion towards combat situations abroad, is a welcome one if it manages to float the series into a few more seasons. While I appreciate the opinion of those who are Unit "Purists", it is a bit like the crappiness of certain books or movies in a trilogy/series... who would rather complain about a certain volume/episode/sequel... than have the idea die at season 4 because core fans can't stomach the transition.I do get the whole idea that all of us are here because we LOVE The Unit, or we wouldn't waste time discussing it. But WOW! There are certainly some heated responses about the awkward changes that have been made lately. Relax, enjoy, comment, but understand that the evolution of the series is to attract a larger fanbase that may ultimately renew the series. If they're smart, they read what we say. We're not a HUGE community here, and they'd be stupid to ignore core fans.Just my $0.02

Squirrel1772 wrote: While I appreciate the opinion of those who are Unit "Purists", it is a bit like the crappiness of certain books or movies in a trilogy/series... who would rather complain about a certain volume/episode/sequel... than have the idea die at season 4 because core fans can't stomach the transition.

roobaby45 wrote: Both point of views are well taken. I didn't think of it that way. My shock at Nicole becomming a series regualr is more about how a newcomer makes it to that coveted status after 4 episodes while other recurring cast have been on for the last 3 seasons without the safety of that status. However, both Squirrel and Dagaz make very good points. My thinking is changing on this one.

angel_in_la wrote: She is sooooo much better then that American Idol lady in MP's...sheesh!

angel_in_la wrote: First off, that's the nature of Show Biz. Especially Film and TV Series. The big guys are always looking for ways to save money and cast is one of those ways.With Nicole, they are trying to up the ratings and attract the younger demographic. If this occurs, it's worth much more then her salary, in terms of how much they can charge sponsors.Just my humble opinion, after working in this biz for most of my working life. I have no problem with her. She is sooooo much better then that American Idol lady in MP's...sheesh!Go Nicole!

mxmartinifan wrote: ... not every idea that writers come up with are good ones and we're here to tell them so....

mxmartinifan wrote: ... I don't believe for one minute that anything we post here is going to have any effect whatsoever on the fate of The Unit --whether it is renewed in 2009 or not...

Squirrel1772 wrote: I'm not downplaying the weird angles they threw in (I'm not sure I like them either)I'm not convinced Nicole will add a generous amount of substance to the plot (but I like her so far)I'm not whining about other board members complaining (every one of us here has passion about this show)I'm not here to stir thing up, I just prefer when the discussions don't take the "she sucks!" "Crappy writers" "Lame plot" "retarded actors" kind of tone.Hey, we all love this show, and opinions are varied. I just like to see a more civil approach sometimes, and it's easy for the new guy to interject a little "time out". Lots of times the discussion resumes or heats up, but with a little more civility, that's all.And as I recall, we are here to bounce ideas off each other, about what we'd like to see in the show...but hope that the writer/producer/director...who ever... might stop in to see what we're thinking. But I see that some of you already agree.

mxmartinifan wrote: ... not every idea that writers come up with are good ones and we're here to tell them so....

mxmartinifan wrote: ... I don't believe for one minute that anything we post here is going to have any effect whatsoever on the fate of The Unit --whether it is renewed in 2009 or not...

adoggperson wrote: If I came across like that I am so sorry. I guess I am for trying to make it as accurate as possible and adding a female is just wrong especially if it was for better ratings.. A slight part of me thinks if she stays perm. with the wives to protect them I could handle that a bit better.

roobaby45 wrote: It is STILL the best scripted show on TV.

Squirrel1772 wrote: YAY! I wholeheartedly agree with many of the opinions here, and am glad the discussions are more civil than the day I came. I look forward to tomorrow's episode, even if the story sucks, because it's one more day that the writers can have confidence that while they tweak the show to hang on to another season, we all will be here through the bumps to cheer our favorite characters through the episodes we will love forever. Life is not about hanging on to episodes you didn't like, it's remembering the episodes and seasons you loved so much that you couldn't even TRY to forget them... (insert poignant metaphor here...LOL)Life goes on... lets hope TU does, also!!

Squirrel1772 wrote: I certainly hope she evolves into a more active character, also. I do believe they're being cautious, but the last episode proved that sometimes you NEED a woman (unit member following into women's restroom...BAD if male!) and she adds some diplomatic weight into negotiational situations. Let's hope she can kick ass too...LOL

dagaz_82 wrote: Shawn Ryan. So hey, I know! Let's ask him! "'I don't know yet' is the most honest answer I can give you," he answers. "What I will say is that we have a couple of people who consult on the show who were Delta Force operators, and they talked about the professionalism that the guys have. Obviously, our guys find time for romance, but we'll never do anything that feels unprofessional."

nynaevelan wrote:

dagaz_82 wrote: Shawn Ryan. So hey, I know! Let's ask him! "'I don't know yet' is the most honest answer I can give you," he answers. "What I will say is that we have a couple of people who consult on the show who were Delta Force operators, and they talked about the professionalism that the guys have. Obviously, our guys find time for romance, but we'll never do anything that feels unprofessional."

So, Tiffy and Ryan are professional???Nyn

Is2MyMsgt wrote: I totally agree with everyone who thinks that a woman being a part of The Unit is bogus! I'm a female watcher, The Unit used to be something my husband and I watched together. We both really liked the action.. him being a marine he appreciated how "realistic" the shows were.. But now.. the show has just gotten to the point of stupidity. It's not realistic.. They wouldn't have a woman be apart of The Unit in real life.. Unless she's behind the phone maybe? I mean even the marines.. do NOT have female snipers.. The Unit members are supposed to be universal? Top 15% of the military? There were shows when that guy who ended up getting burned.. name not important enough to remember.. He wanted to be a part of the unit as a driver.. He was told it took years and years.. and even then NOT be selected.. So? Eh? This girl just shows up and she's in?? Give me a break! I hope she dies/leaves soon.

gwfan29 wrote: It's not that I don't think women can kick butt, but Nicole's character doesn't behave in a believable way. She's all T&A, and while that's fine, it's too much! Makes it pretty obvious that the show thought "oh, we need more viewers - let's put a pretty lady in The Unit and keep our fingers crossed." She acts and seems like a potential "temptress", most likely to Mack (seems like theyre dancing around some sort of chemistry if you ask me) - I want The Unit members to be focused on their missions, not a pretty girl. They get distracted or involved with her and they risk the lives of themselves, their team members, and their country.

dagaz_82 wrote: ... I think that the team members are so highly skilled and trained that they wouldn't let something like that distract them or otherwise compromise the job they're doing.

roobaby45 wrote: Her parents were both in the Marines. Check out the interview TV Guide did with her yesterday. http://community.tvguide.com /blog - entry/TV-Show-Blog/Tv-Previews /Unit-Nic - le-Steinwedell/800047542

Buci_Janika wrote: Dear wolflady123 sorry to correct you but there are women in the special forces (though not widely advertised for obvious reasons Australia SAS and UK SAS both have women in their active service) the writers have hit the nail on the head with her Character.

mrsblane2 wrote: She can't fill Hector's shoes!

Buci_Janika wrote: “Dear wolflady123 sorry to correct you but there are women in the special forces (though not widely advertised for obvious reasons Australia SAS and UK SAS both have women in their active service) the writers have hit the nail on the head with her Character. ”

TVFanTVStop wrote: you put it very well. when i was posting it was already super late. i agree w/ everything you said, but i also wouldnt mind seeing her kick some ass at somepoint, and be more part of the team AT TIMES, and maybe not ALL the time because then a bunch of "fans" of the show would freak out and flood these forums w/ hate. i said it in another post on here some where. im all for a chick who can kick some ass, and look hot doing it.

knightsgrace wrote:

TVFanTVStop wrote: - ou put it very well. when i was posting it was already super late. i agree w/ everything you said, but i also wouldnt mind seeing her kick some ass at somepoint, and be more part of the team AT TIMES, and maybe not ALL the time because then a bunch of "fans" of the show would freak out and flood these forums w/ hate. i said it in another post on here some where. im all for a chick who can kick some ass, and look hot doing it.

I love The Sarah Connor Chronicles because that chick (Lena Headey) can kick some and she is really cute too.

dagaz_82 wrote: I'm with you, TVFanTVStop. I haven't thought that the idea that she is their enemy has had all that much merit for quite some time now, and I think tonight's episode proved, once and for all, that she's one of the good guys. So to speak. True, the argument could be made that, if she were a traitor, she would have had to do something in order to completely earn their trust. However, the fact that she went above and beyond to help them, and that they wouldn't have been rescued if not for her, doesn't really fall into that category. After all, there would have been ways to earn their trust that wouldn't have risked her being court-martialed. So, hopefully, this turn of events will put the kibosh on that theory.

strakallah wrote: TVFanTVStop and dagaz. I don't think anyone was debating her loyalty. I think for the most part, people are sick of Hollywood writing where if things are slipping they throw in a couple tits. Shawn Ryan has been a hero to me in the way that he seems to stay true to whatever series he is writing and is really creative with character development. However, Red Cap is a sign that Shawn Ryan is sleeping with Michael Bay.There are plenty of us out there that want to see creative writing in a series without taking short cuts to make people watch the show.

dagaz_82 wrote: Okay, I know that this won't make some people happy, but for those of who like Bridget, it's good news: From the Oct. 21 "Ask Ausiello" from Entertainment Weekly's website - Question: I really like the new female member of The Unit, Nicole Steinwedell (Bridget). Is she signed for the full season? -- MikeAusiello: She is now! Although Steinwedell started the season as a recurring guest star, sources confirm to me exclusively that she's now an official series regular. Word is that the actress was introduced in part to make the show more enticing to women, particularly now that CBS has paired The Unit with the female-skewing Cold Case. But executive producer Shawn Ryan says Bridget serves a creative purpose as well. "The show was feeling like two different parts -- the male-mission part and the women-at-home part," he says. "Injecting this character into both sides of it, to us, has made the show feel a little bit more connected."

TVFanTVStop wrote:

strakallah wrote: TV - anTVStop and dagaz. I don't think anyone was debating her loyalty. I think for the most part, people are sick of Hollywood writing where if things are slipping they throw in a couple tits. Shawn Ryan has been a hero to me in the way that he seems to stay true to whatever series he is writing and is really creative with character development. However, Red Cap is a sign that Shawn Ryan is sleeping with Michael Bay.There are plenty of us out there that want to see creative writing in a series without taking short cuts to make people watch the show.

understood, but i think to make a slight compromise like this to help invigorate the show a bit will help w/ its longevity (at least thats my hope).

strakallah wrote:

TVFanTVStop wrote: [q - ote=strakallah]TV - anTVStop and dagaz. I don't think anyone was debating her loyalty. I think for the most part, people are sick of Hollywood writing where if things are slipping they throw in a couple tits. Shawn Ryan has been a hero to me in the way that he seems to stay true to whatever series he is writing and is really creative with character development. However, Red Cap is a sign that Shawn Ryan is sleeping with Michael Bay.There are plenty of us out there that want to see creative writing in a series without taking short cuts to make people watch the show.

understood, but i think to make a slight compromise like this to help invigorate the show a bit will help w/ its longevity (at least thats my hope).

auburnhead33 wrote: *sigh*(Posted by Huggsnok in the spoiler thread, copied and pasted by me): Whats going to happen next? Tiffy is asked by Coloner Ryan to recruit her daughter, and some of her friends to start the Teenage Delta Force club? And Kim and Bob's baby was actually turned into a super ninja cyborg during the operation, and will be joining the actual unit for missions requiring a baby with the power of the hulk? Sheesh.. get a grip screenplay writer guy! EDIT: I forgot to mention it turns out that Molly actually has telepathic powers and can speak with aliens from another universe. Oh, did i mention that Colonel Ryan feels lonely in one episode, and gets a mysterious dog named Lassie who will also be joining the unit in a future episode. I guess Huggsnok's ideas are okay, too? Just asking.

ksalanpang wrote: They need Kara Thrace 'starbuck' (Katee Sackoff) from battlestar galactica. A real lady that can kick serious butt. It would make more sense if Bridget is a spy of some sort, gathers intelligence for the Unit. Branch another story of her other than the Unit's action. In other words, in another sub-branch of the Unit. Of course that's just my point of view. I believe one day there'll be female in special ops. What's wrong with a lady kicking some butt anyway!!As long as there's Jonas, Bob, Mack, Charles and Kim (original unit members of the show), that's all matters. I always think about Kim in the 'Red Clover' dream on 'Sub-Conscious'. It's so cool to see her in action!!! CBS should create a 'SWAT' tv drama similar to the Unit; Or whatever non-special op unit. And put Kim (Andrey Maria Anderson) in it! Sorry for the little off-topic at the end.

mxmartinifan wrote: [quote=auburnhead33 - *sigh*(Posted by Huggsnok in the spoiler thread, copied and pasted by me): Whats going to happen next? Tiffy is asked by Coloner Ryan to recruit her daughter, and some of her friends to start the Teenage Delta Force club? And Kim and Bob's baby was actually turned into a super ninja cyborg during the operation, and will be joining the actual unit for missions requiring a baby with the power of the hulk? Sheesh.. get a grip screenplay writer guy! EDIT: I forgot to mention it turns out that Molly actually has telepathic powers and can speak with aliens from another universe. Oh, did i mention that Colonel Ryan feels lonely in one episode, and gets a mysterious dog named Lassie who will also be joining the unit in a future episode. I guess Huggsnok's ideas are okay, too? Just asking.

Huggsnok wrote: WIFES

Huggsnok wrote: They have the WIFES doing secret undercover work befitting of that of an FBI agent perhaps. (Since I believe CIA is not allowed to operate on american soil.) Without any proper training and what not, and you all go nuts over Red Cap? I mean.. come on

nynaevelan wrote:

Huggsnok wrote: WIFES

WIFES should be WIVES If we're (as in you) are going to discount their importance, let's get the correct pronunciation. Nyn

knightsgrace wrote:

Huggsnok wrote: They have the WIFES doing secret undercover work befitting of that of an FBI agent perhaps. (Since I believe CIA is not allowed to operate on american soil.) Without any proper training and what not, and you all go nuts over Red Cap? I mean.. come on

A good many of us were not happy about the addition of Red Cap, nor were we happy about the wives being recruited to go on "missions." There is not much we can do about it though but complain. Even that won't do any good as TPTB made up their mind about this change for Season 4 long before the first episode hit the airwaves. And we are stuck with it now.

unitrulz wrote: Well, hello, but if women aren't already interested in Patrick, Haysbert, Martini, Irby and Foley, I doubt if she'll do much for them.

unitrulz wrote: Well, hello, but if women aren't already interested in Patrick, Haysbert, Martini, Irby and Foley, I doubt if she'll do much for them.

knightsgrace wrote: I know we are stuck with her so the option of not having Bridget on the show at all is not there. But I am not sure whether I would like to see her be kick*** tough or be "soft" like she is being portrayed now. It was just a really bad idea to add a female character the way they did. It just makes TU seem "off" somehow.

ksalanpang wrote: If Mack is 6'0 even. Then is Nicole 6'1 or 2?

wolflady123 wrote:

leolion811 wrote: Do - s anyone know where Nicole is originally from? I know she is from a military family and I grew up with the Steinwedells and that Bob Steinwedell is in the military. Wonder if she could be his daughter? It would be a small world!! I believe Bob moved to Texas and he remarried years ago and I know he has children. Thanks!!

Who cares ? Sorry but adding her to the series is terrible, There are NO WOMEN in any Special forces and her interview was garbage . Bridgette needs an early demise or The Unit loses all its credibility I'm a woman viewer and resent TPTB trying to rewrite the series to become a typical soap opera and although I'll be watching the premiere I'll be the first nitpicking it apart too Not a fan of her bring on the series and find it all total crap !

ksalanpang wrote: Jonnylee373 , does the time of your clock mean something? for this show maybe?

Jonnylee373 wrote:

ksalanpang wrote: Jo - nylee373 , does the time of your clock mean something? for this show maybe?

What do you think? I live for The Unit, and now I'm training like I will be in The Unit. What really pisses me off is the writers' strike. We have to miss TU because they didn't get enough to pay for the new Jag. Be happy with a COLA you greedy bastards!

nynaevelan wrote: K:I nominate you her #1 fan, that comes with all the requisite honors!! Nyn

nynaevelan wrote: K:I nominate you her #1 fan, that comes with all the requisite honors!! Nyn

ksalanpang wrote: Yea, she also kissed Dennis a couple times in 'Bad Beat' (Don't be jealous now ). That makes her know how to play undercover!!! +1!!

shadow143op wrote: just don't like the girl not good material, horrible in this series, Michelle Rodriguz, katie Sattathe, these are girls who could play the part and add something new to the unit that would be good. It was so bad i quit watching the unit. Thought they got rid of her and then she's back, which was a horrible episode

drawttam wrote: NO women in combat arms PERIOD. In the infantry the men would have nothing to do with a women if she were there and I mean NOTHING.

Okay, I find those 2 statements interesting. Women are trained to fight and may be placed in a combat zone. Right? What do you mean the infantry men would have nothing to do with a woman in their unit or whatever? They would have to intereact and work together. Right? Please explain your comments for us non-military people. And, what does infantry do? I think I know but I want to make sure. Thanks.Edited part: I'm not advocating for Redcap. Everybody here knows I would never do that for her. I just want to clarify your statements.ShiningHorse

ShiningHorse wrote: - Edited part: I'm not advocating for Redcap. Everybody here knows I would never do that for her. I just want to clarify your statements.ShiningHorse

Cheers,

Oldfritz sends.

p.s. Plus, Ms. Steinwedell is easy on the eyes... KEEP HER

"There are NO WOMEN in any Special forces" That is possibly an incorrect statement, The Unit is modeled after the SFOD-Dor Delta Force within SFOD-D there is rumored to be a "funny platoon" this platoon has civilian contractors with specialized skills and even women. So yes they are assigned to and considered Special Forces. Dont believe me google SFOD-DFunny Platoon or Delta Force Funny Platoon, although the information is vague and unconfirmed its there. Someone has stated that JSOC(Joint Special Operations Command) has confirmed this. Ihave found no evidence of this confirmation.

.

She works in intelligence, no problem with that

.

Ben

I do agree though, it would be nice for a little more character development of the lady ops NCO.

Oldfritz sends.

lawyerchik1 wrote:

That is entirely consistent with Red Cap's function with respect to the rest of the team - and so far, she seems to have properly fulfilled the duties of her position. It would be weirder if there wasn't someone in her position - because then, who would do those things and be a consistent support of the overall objective of the Unit?

Agreed/seconded. I found this description of the "warrant officer" rank online:

Interestingly enough, as a Warrant Officer 1 (WO-1) Red Cap actually outranks Sergeant Major Jonas Blane. Likewise, Red Cap and Jonas are both outranked by 2nd Lieutenant Betsy Blane. However, it would be extremely foolish of either lady to presume to give the Top orders relative to an operational mission. You may also find it interesting that senior NCO's usually make more money than WO-1. As a result, the Navy has discontinued the rank of WO1 and only has CWO2-5 among their ranks. The Air Force discontinued all Warrant Officer ratings in 1957.

Warrant Officer 1 is an officer who is appointed by the Secretary of the relevant service (i.e. Army, Navy) and serves via "warrant" rather than "commission". However, Chief Warrant Officers (CWO-2-5) are granted commissions by the President and take the same oath as regular "commissioned officers". However, even a CWO-5 is outranked by the any commissioned officer (i.e. even a lowly 2nd Lt.).

Historically, warrant officer ratings were based on the structure of the British Royal Navy which allowed for non officers to perform the function of officers based on a warrant (which was more like an honorary officer). At that time (circa 1775) there was a distinct difference separating Officers from Warrant Officers. Commissioned Officers were "Officers and Gentlemen". Warrant Officers, being able to be appointed from the "lower classes" were not granted the title of "Gentleman" as part of their Warrant. The issue of "Officer and Gentlewoman" did not exist at that time.

Warrant ratings are usually a single path technical expert type of position. Many Army helicopter pilots are Warrant Officers and they are ususally very experienced and damn good. To give one specific example, a chap named Mike Durant was the pilot of Blackhawk Super Six Four, which was one of two Blackhawks shot down during the Battle of Mogidishu in 1993. He and his co-pilot were both Chief Warrant Officers from the 160th SOAR (Special Operations Aviation Regiment). BTW, two D-boys were awarded the Medal of Honor postumously for their valiant defense of the crew of Super Six Four.

As has been pointed out, while Warrant Officers typically serve as advisers or specialists, they can and do command units or provide support in the field. Intelligence and Battle Field prep are two functions where women almost certainly play some part in real military operations. Their primary roles are not those of "shooters" but that doesn't mean that they can't shoot. It also doesn't mean that they are comic book heroines, like GI Jane. Like their male colleagues, they are serious dedicated professionals doing a difficult and dangerous job.

Of course the writers have been deliberately vague about Red Cap's previous command, not wanting to be tied down too much by reality. There are also references to working for/with DoD. I really love that one since all military departments, except the Coast Guard, are a part of the DoD. The Unified Commanders report directly to the Secretary of Defense and do not report to the Joint Chiefs of Staff or the Secretaries of Army, Navy, or Air Force on issues regarding operations (e.g. Gen Colin Powell was not Gen Norman Schwartzkopf's boss).

So, all military departments are part of DoD. However, the Unit members refer to DoD like it is a different organization, and in a bureaucratic sense it really is. However, they are so intermingled it's impossible to adequately describe the relationship unless you work in it. BTW, the Director of the DIA (Defense Intelligence Agency) is an active duty Lieutenant General and approximately 35% of DIA employees are active duty military.

So, how did Red Cap wind up working with/for DoD (DIA)? There are a small number of WO MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) that might apply to her circumstances. MOS 180A is a Special Forces WO, however that's not open to women, so we can rule it out. Most probable (pure speculation actually) is MOS 351L ( CounterIntelligence Techinican ). These soldiers can engage in actual intelligence collection operations and combat experience is a plus but not required. They may also represent the Army in investigations/operations with DOD, DOJ, or other Federal, State or Local agencies.

Personally, I don't care that much for Red Cap as a character, but the program has at least kept her activities reasonably realistic, IMO.

But, after seeing how the storyline with Whiplash is developing, I unfortunately predict Red Cap is short lived. Pure speculation on my part, but I predict that Whiplash is deep cover to infiltrate the bad guys. My guess is only COL Ryan and maybe Snake Doctor know. That would explain the tension in the closing scene in the team bar between Snake Doctor, Cool Breeze, and Red Cap a few episodes ago- Snake Doctor knows they just pulled a fake rape attempt on Red Cap,who has become a de facto member of the team, and it's a horribly shitty thing to do to a valued team member to accomplish the mission. I predict when the truth comes out, it will lead to her leaving the unit. Note, Ms. Steinwedell is still credited as a guest star. I hope I'm wrong b/c I like her character better than Whiplash, but...my two cents.

Oldfritz sends.

I am an older female and think her character is a welcome addition to The Unit, could make for some very interesting story lines if written by someone with military saavy and experience. And by the way, for those of you who claim there are no women in U.S. special forces...wow, you need to do some serious brushing up on reality! Believe me, you are talking to the wrong people if that's what you think. The women in special forces, while relatively few, are in deep, deep, deep cover...but they are definitely out there!