Why do I bother watching new shows? You watch a few episodes, you find that it has an interesting plot/storyline, so you start watching a few more episodes, and then you get hooked. Then all of a sudden, CANCELLED! Grrr… Who else hates it when that happens??
Yes, I know the ratings make the networks’ decisions. What I ask is for some courtesy to the loyal viewers that gave up their valuable tv time to try out their new shows. I propose this. When the net-exec’s decide to axe a show, give the show’s producers 2 or 3 episodes to create a proper Series Finale. I can’t stand it when a show is cancelled and you’re left hanging on what the ending would have been if they had a chance to finish it.
Other great shows that deserved a proper ending before getting cancelled: The River, V, Human Target, No Ordinary Family, Mr. Sunshine, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles. Does anyone remember the hilarious Reaper? All these shows were dropped too soon.
Did you miss these shows when they aired? Watch them online if you get a chance!
- Alcatraz: A show from Lost and Fringe mastermind J.J. Abrams. The mystery-thriller stars beautiful Sarah Jones as detective Rebecca Madsen, Comic book lover Dr. Diego Soto (played by Lost‘s Jorge Garcia) and government agent Emerson Hause (Sam Neil). This show is about Alcatraz inmates that were thought to be dead for years are roaming the streets of San Francisco, continuing their crimes from fifty years ago.
- Missing: In this high-flying action thriller, a mother who is an ex-CIA agent (sexy Ashley Judd) travels to Europe in search of her son who disappeared in Italy while he was studying abroad. Also stars Sean Bean from Game of Thrones. I really enjoyed Judd’s character and acting.
- The River: “Paranormal Activity” writer-director Oren Peli and “Paranormal 2” screenwriter Michael R. Perry are coming together to create a series that involves a search for someone who went missing on the Amazon river. This show is creepy and thrilling; nothing like it is on tv right now.
- Terra Nova: Steven Spielberg brings a story set in the year 2149, where the planet Earth is a disaster, and most of the plant and animal life has become extinct. Scientists can’t reverse the damage, but have found a way to travel back to prehistoric times to save the human race. This show has everything for the family. And the characters are great; you will find yourself rooting for the Shannon family! It also stars Stephen Lang, from the movie Avatar, the douchebag Col. Miles Quaritch – you wonder if he’s really good or bad in Terra Nova.
- Human Target: This show by WB, DC Comics and McG’s Wonderland was based on the DC Comics title. Christopher Chance is the mysterious security-for-hire protecting his clients by becoming the Human Target. This show reminds me of Person of Interest, but Chance was more human and shows more emotion than John Reese.
Just one more thing, these exec’s should learn how tv networks in Japan do it. In Japan, they guarantee a 11 to 13 episode series for any drama/comedy series. They run it till the end. If a series bombs, then they shorten it up with a quick episode that gives it a proper ending. They don’t leave the show’s viewers hanging with a sudden cancellation, like they do here.
Please give us some proper closure!!
What cancelled tv show do you wish had a proper ending?
May 20, 2012 at 10:57 am
I tried to get into Missing and I watched Terra Nova every now and then, but Alcatraz just didn’t grab me. The wiki entry sounded fascinating, but I didn’t find what was actually on the screen as interesting.
I think we (viewers and networks) are consciously and unconsciously comparing all new shows in this vein to Lost, and for me, none of the shows above measured up – even in Lost’s first season.
Is that unfair? Probably. But Lost has set the bar and shows to come have to step up or be cancelled.
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May 20, 2012 at 2:07 pm
No show can capture the same magic of Lost, but each show deserves its time to complete its most recent story arc before getting cancelled. We as TV viewers who sacrifice our time to give the show a chance deserve that much. Outstanding shows like Lost only come once in a blue moon, so we have to settle for whatever other good show is currently being broadcast. You’ll miss out on some good shows if you set your expectations too high.
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May 20, 2012 at 3:07 pm
I think you’re 100 percent correct. But – and this is where it gets unfair – a network sci fi show can no longer rely on a long and complex arc that may pay off in season two or three to grab viewers. They need to do it from the first few episodes, and then establish the arc.
From what little I saw of Alcatraz, that was the case. Terra Nova seemed to be the opposite. It had a lot of its shiny things up front that drew me in, but as its arc played out the show fizzled.
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May 23, 2012 at 11:55 am
So long as American Horror Story, Walking Dead, Top Chef and Survivor come back, I’m sorted 🙂
Good run down of the shows, Onomeister!
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