Response to AVClub: 4 other accidental finales that worked.

Many people like to watch TV. And nothing is more maddening but to get into a show only for it get cut down in its prime.

AVClub.com recently did an article about 24 TV finales that wound up working as series finales. And that got me thinking, what other ones did they missed? Fortunately, I am here to educate thee. Admittedly, I caught 2 of these on DVD after cancellation, but I rode the other two to the graveyard so I know what I'm talking about. Let us begin.



Tell me you love me (2007)

One great thing about off campus housing was free HBO. Which I abused with relish. At least until the next year when they took it away. Cheap bastards. But in my time having it I discovered a series that I should've not liked. It did not involve explosions, Quentin Taratinoesque dialogue, big dramatic art pieces. It was a show about three couples on the brink of collapse and the couple therapist that brings them back from the edge.

TMYLM was a groundbreaking, ahead of its time show, involving real looking people with real fucking problems. There was no scandalous plot twists; these were plots that any age group can relate to. The 20's couple was worried about commitment. The 30's couple wanted a baby (at least the woman did), and the 40's the passion was gone.

What made this series so amazing was the level of maturity it had. Sex was a controversial aspect of the show but was always treated tastefully and with respect. It was never gratuitous or overtly titillating, but part of the show. The reason I stayed though were the interactions between the couples and some of the conversations that were so blistering you could hear a pin drop.

While initially renewed, the show ultimately died because the creator painted herself into a corner and didn't know where to go next. Lucky for her and her audience, she made a finale that wrapped up her main plot points. The 20's couple Jamie and Hugo put their fears to rest and get married, ending the series kissing in a chapel happy to face the new stage of their relationship. The 30's couple was thrown another setback; Carolyn lost the baby but Palek shows his worth by showing his support. And finally, the 40's couple David and Katie take a small step forwards to getting back to sexual intimacy. In these final moments we see that life goes on and it is never to late to be happy with the one you love.



Daybreak (2006)

A show perhaps killed by an idea that could run out of gas too quickly, you have to credit Daybreak for scope. Basically Groundhog Day meets 24, Daybreak served its viewers with more twists and turns than you usual season of soap operas, plenty of violence, and character nuances that turned on a dime.

The cast was perfect, anchored by lead actor Taye Diggs who showed a bevy of differing emotions as the "Day" went on.

The show was killed mid season but a series finale was craftily written in which the main conspiracy was exposed, the bad guys punished or killed and Diggs living to see the next day. While it did have some nagging threads (Adam Baldwin's character, Digg's character father, who was that old guy etc) it nonetheless wrapped up one hell of a joyride.



Kidnapped (2006)

Another serial series taken too soon, Kidnapped was going to have a semi rotating cast and go with a case a season motif a la Murder One before. Alas it never got a second season so the idea was moot.

What worked with Kidnapped was stellar acting. Jermey Sisto, Timothy Hutton, Delroy Lindo, Myketti Williamson (that's right Bubba himself) were among the heavy hitters and no one slouched on the job. One again dealing with a twisty narrative that dropped bodies as quickly as the shocking surprises, Kidnapped knew how to get and keep your attention. Something apparently a certain AMC series didn't learn (yeah we're looking at you THE KILLING).

Cancelled mid way, the writers crafted the finale that wrapped up the kidnapping plot, produced a cunning yet sympathetic villain, and brought the series to a close. If not for a huge plot thread involving an old adversary of Jermey Sisto's Knapp, I would consider the finale to almost be pitch perfect.



Skins (2011)

A recent cancellation that stings just a little. Don't judge me while you watch CSI: Bullshit, you fucking zombies. You're in my world right now bitch.

Nothing pisses me off more than a bunch of concerned conservative parents complaining about sexual content on television. And God forbid it involve teens.

Hey Mrs. Puritan? Your daughter is getting tag teamed upstairs. Live with it.

On one hand, I shouldn't like this show because it is so trashy in a way. Oh sure it looks cool and all, but hey I got to have a fucking childhood and actually waited to grow up. Should take another two years or so lol...

Never mind the fact the UK version is actually worse content wise b/c on British television they can show full frontal nudity. And curse. We are truly a nation of p******.

Anyways, the PTC and their right wing assholes buddies killed the advertisers and sullied the viewers down to the point of cancellation. The writing was on the wall. Luckily, the main plot lines were wrapped up.

Tony learns to be less of a dick and realizes how much his sister and friends mean to him. Eura finally speaks and realizes how much her brother Tony cares for her. Tony's stepfather, who was a joke to him and the audience, shows he gives a damn and is there for Tony when he really needs him. Chris continues to be the party, happy go lucky guy. Daisy and Abudd realize they want more than just Friends with benefits. Tea stops trying to be something she is not and embraces her sexuality snuggling up to the hospital staying Betty. Medicated, depressed Cadie makes her first real adult decision letting Stanley go so he can be with Michelle. And Michelle, ready to use her own mind for once, finally acts on her mutual feelings for Stanley, making out with him on his porch. And Stanley? Well he still might have his V-Card but you know Michelle will take care of that soon enough.

The beat goes on and the kids continue to live in the fucked up world their parents left to them. The main reason this show resonated even though I'm technically not a teen anymore is the underlying theme of how screwed up everyone is. If this and Chad Kultgen's novel Men Women & Children (which I will do a blog about later) is any indication, My future kids are FUCKED.

As they should be.

Until next time, fly high and fly well.