"I want to just weigh in here because there seems to be some concern about the Cape scheduling announcement," writes Wheeler. "I just want to say loud and clear WE ARE SHOOTING 13 EPISODES. Please don't worry. NBC is giving us a wonderful time slot and a fantastic rollout with true support and that is a reflection of their enthusiasm for The Cape. They love what they are seeing and this launch is an expression of that. And to clarify: we premiere Sunday, January 9th 9-11 and the following day they repeat both the pilot and the 2nd episode at 9-11. The following Monday at 9 you will see Episode 3. I really could not have asked for more. It's awesome. It's our job to perform. It's your guys' job to show up and hopefully like what you see. We're doing our damndest to deliver the most distinctive, fun and thrilling show on TV. But we're shooting, and NBC has every intention of airing, our full 13. I can't wait for you to see these episodes! Just thrilled with Episode 2. This cast is just hitting it out of the park."
Speaking of episode two, back on October 8th he posted another message to the show's growing legion of fans:
"Hey everybody, Tom here. It's finally happening! Today was the first day of filming of Episode 2 of The Cape! I've been peeking around the boards here and figured this was an appropriate moment to catch everybody up, answer some questions, etc... I've been reading everything and I thank you guys again for your enthusiasm, great ideas and curiosity. We're doing all we can to create the most distinctive, compelling, exciting, comic book show on TV.
"And if today's work was any indication we're going to be in very good shape. So here's what's happening: we're shooting 12 new episodes (the pilot was the 1st, obviously) for a total of 13 which is a standard order.... Deran Serafian is our director/producer and is directing episode 2 and he's been soaking up everything from Watchmen to Kick Ass to the Whedon/Cassady run on Astonishing X-men to find just the right visual flavor for the Cape, particularly the action. The stuff I saw today looked beautiful and felt very high impact. I also saw some preliminary work from our FX Supervisor Ed Irastorza on some really unique motion-capture-animation that kind of blew my mind at the possibilities of what we can do with the Cape visually.
"In regards to some of the questions that have arisen: that's a big 'no' on a Cape/Orwell romance. I mean geez, the guy's got a wife he loves that he's desperately trying to get back to. In fact we'll learn a lot more about Vince and Dana as a couple - and I think fall in love with them as a couple - in this episode we're shooting right now. That's not to say others won't be interested in the Cape and try to really complicate his life...but we'll get there. As for a romantic interest for Peter Fleming...I'd say it's a distinct possibility.
"...Suffice to say, if we can pull off half the stuff we're planning it should be a very, very fun first 13 indeed. Thanks all! Keep up with the suggestions, comments, concerns, etc..."