"So, we come out to Los Angeles. And we met with every network. We met with show runners, directors, writers, everything. And what we had an idea for, they didn't like. And what they had an idea for, we didn't like. So, we went home"

Reba McEntire’s reflection on her experience in Los Angeles reveals the challenges artists and creators often face in the television and entertainment industry, particularly when it comes to collaboration and creative vision. The process of developing a television project, especially for well-known figures like McEntire, who already have established identities and audiences, entails meetings with numerous network executives, showrunners, directors, and writers. These meetings are pivotal moments where ideas are exchanged and creative partnerships are either solidified or dissolve.

McEntire’s account highlights a core tension: the disparity between her team’s vision and the expectations or interests of the industry professionals she encountered. Her observation that “what we had an idea for, they didn’t like” suggests that her team brought something unique or perhaps unconventional to the table, but it failed to resonate with the decision-makers. Conversely, “what they had an idea for, we didn’t like” points to a lack of alignment or mutual enthusiasm for the concepts proposed by the network side. Collaborative ventures in the arts require a meeting of both minds and hearts; without this alignment, creative energy can dissipate.

The repeated attempts to find common ground, meeting after meeting, underscore the persistence often necessary in entertainment. Yet, there is another truth embedded in her words: persistence does not guarantee a satisfying result. The finality in “so, we went home” reflects both resignation and resolve. Rather than compromise their artistic integrity or pursue a project they did not believe in, McEntire and her team chose to step back. This decision testifies to the importance of remaining true to one’s creative voice, even in the face of industry pressure or the lure of opportunity. Ultimately, McEntire’s story demonstrates that, sometimes, holding to your standards means recognizing when it’s time to walk away, at least for now.