(An A to Z 2014 Challenge Entry)
I’m always conflicted when I proclaim I barely ever watch TV. It feels good to say, like I am somehow a better person for not being a slave to the Boob Tube (a phrase I assume originated based on intellect, but has since become anatomical). Technically I feel my statement is true. The only day I actually watch anything on TV is on Mondays while visiting my grandmother. We have our shows.
But I watch a ton of Netflix and Amazon Instant Video, catching up on various shows I’ve missed over the years, on my game system. Does that count a watching TV? What about when I use those services on my laptop? Does playing my game system, since it’s hooked up to the TV? What if listening to Spotify or a CD? Are you then always listening to the radio?! GAH! So many questions, so little time. Anyway, let’s get back on track...
Back to TV. I have a long string of television series that I make an effort to keep up with, and those that have already completed their run, which I love. I definitely have my favorites, as I’m sure most do. Lately, though, I’ve seemed to notice a trend with some series that I watch: that season 3 seems to be a “make it or break it” point for me. Meaning I feel that either the storyline and/or characters begin to falter or become nonsensical within the context of what the show has previously created.
And while it’s not true of all, nor does it necessarily completely tarnish my love for a show, I believe it to be so more often than not. Many factors can contribute to this. Change in casting, writer strikes and/or simply a change of writers in general, network “bigwigs” dictating and/or suppressing creative freedoms, current writers simply not knowing what the fuck they are doing, etc etc…
I thought I would share some series that I felt began to fall apart during their third season run, barring too much detail, so spoilers are avoided. If commenting I’d appreciate the same in return.
Heroes & Prison Break
Heroes quickly became one of my favorite series when it came on the air. Eventually a friend convinced me to watch Prison Break and I was then hooked on that. My grandmother as well. I think both of these series started out really strong right out of the gate. The first seasons were great. I was worried, once each wrapped up their first season finales, where they would take the series.
I believe both of these series were hit hard by a writer’s strike. Each were forced to cut seasons short, due to this complication. Afterwards, though, I think issues continued due to a possible changing of the guard in writing departments. Prison Break stumbled some, but I feel found it’s footing and recovered (barely) from there on out. I was still disappointed, overall, with the final seasons and eventual series finale. It was a far cry from the shitstorm Heroes morphed into.
Heroes… I honestly have no idea what to say about the creeping — then rapid — deterioration of the series. From extreme character inconsistencies to implausible, nonsensical plotlines. Heroes ran the full gamut fuckery gauntlet. Over time, it became incredibly difficult for me to watch, but I forced myself to. A glutton for punishment I guess. I can’t really go into details, because they would spoil much of the series.
Oddly enough, I still would recommend the series and have. Especially the first season. If they think they can stomach the rest, I say go for it. There are a few saving grace moments. I think… Then there is this newly released teaser trailer:
I am hoping to God that they realize just how much potential they pissed on, and treat this supposed mini-series with a lot more respect. I’m guessing they will, in hopes that they can possibly reboot the series if it’s a success. Please… please don’t fuck this up!
Alias & Sons of Anarchy
Alias was another of my all-time favorite television series. In fact, I will give most anything J.J. Abrams creates a chance (currently Believe isn’t living up to my expectations). Sons of Anarchy is another great show that the Ladyfolk and I are currently catching up on. These two shows have almost nothing in common, with the exception of their Season 3 shenanigans.
It’s been a long time since watching Alias, and I actually never finished the series due to coming upon a Season 4 spoiler, but I believe Season 3 is when they introduced an out-of-the-blue, random, confusing storyline/plot twist. This took place right away in the Season 3 premiere episode. The previous seasons finale had been so intense and amazing, that this sudden transition was literally jolting for me. I was possibly even mildly upset. It eventually recovered, but like I said, due to the spoiler, I never saw beyond mid-season 4. I own the entire collection, so I guess I should get on it.
Son of Anarchy followed in the same vein. It wasn’t so much a confusing transition, but it really felt like the storyline carried throughout season 3 was not fully fleshed out. Many plotline and character inconsistencies plagued my enjoyment. As usual, there were still many great moments, but I was relieved that the final episodes of the season ended on a very strong note. If it’s one thing that Sons of Anarchy is really consistent with, it’s strong, emotional season finales. Currently on season six, the series definitely seems to be going strong, but I am hoping it ends while it’s ahead. Much akin to Breaking Bad (another series I highly recommend, and am skipping discussion on during this entry).
Supernatural
And finally Supernatural. The reason I picked this topic. This is a television series that had been recommended to me by multiple people. For a long while I avoided it. My brother is currently watching it, and that got me to give the premiere episode a watch. It hooked me. I’m already a geek when it comes to ghosts, spirits, lore, monsters, etc etc, so this was a good fit.
Come season 3, however (which we are currently on), I have found some of the same aforementioned inconsistencies popping up. Characters acting in ways in direct contradiction with earlier actions. Plot lines/plot points which were once important in context of the lore built up in the series seems secondhand and largely disregarded. It has begun to irritate me, but I am remaining hopeful that it will all smooth out. They are on Season 9 or something now, so it has to be just a brief rough patch. A bump in the road. Either that or there are a few million gluttons for punishment.
One of them being me.
What are some of your favorite television series? Have you found any specific seasons of a television series to go completely off the tracks? Changes that may even cause you to lose interest in the series? Feel free to share, but please avoid spoilers!
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It’s been a long while. I briefly discuss some of this year’s shortcomings, and in doing so, find it’s just more of the same.
Then I attempt to give a more positive spin…
Extra Life Game Day 2021 has arrived! It’s Year 8 for myself and I am looking forward to once again raise money for Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare. Team Cryton Crusaders is ready (kind of) for the annual fundraising event involving a 24-Hour Gaming Marathon! I kept last year’s fun, but likely impossible Milestone to reach!
Learn more about the challenge where my team and I play games and heal kids!