Some time ago, I promised a continuation of my season round-up but life has kind of got in the way of my TV lately so I haven’t been able to give it much thought. Today, though, I will be talking about those shows that got the axe this year, starting with that long running medical drama, ER
I really did love this series but after 15 seasons, I think it was probably for the best that it ended while people still liked it. It was a show that probably elicited more tears from me over its run than any other – all that life and death stuff was really very emotional. It also had some engaging characters that I truly cared about and that I was sad to say goodbye to.
On the whole, I think they wrapped up some things nicely, if a little hurriedly (Ray and Neela!!). Some other more interesting storylines got buried and were hardly mentioned again (Sam killing her abusive ex, anyone?). One of the highlights for the final season were all the old faces who came back to honour the show; the lovely Noah Wyle as Dr Carter had the biggest storyline of the returning heroes. Also guest starring were Dr Benton (Eriq La Salle), Dr Weaver (Laura Innes), Dr Lewis (Sherry Springfield), Dr Corday (Alex Kingston) and a fantastic flashback with the late Dr Greene (Anthony Edwards). In another episode, Dr Doug Ross and Carole were still happy in Seattle – I loved how they managed to write in a story for them without shoehorning in a questionable visit to Chicago. The fact they never knew that they were helping their friend John Carter was particularly poignant.
Funnily enough though, during the final episode, I was tear free and thinking I had got away with it, until very last shot. The camera pulled back from the familiar ambulance bay to show, for the first time in my recollection, the whole County General building (CGI of course but still). Then the tears inexplicably came. Goodbye, ER!
Prison Break started with a dynamite season which was exciting and dramatic, romantic and sexy. The second season tried to keep up the momentum and on the whole, the ‘on the run’ storyline delivered. Somewhere in season 3, the muck of Sona prison overpowered the drama and things started getting a little silly. By season 4, it took a bit of dedication to the cause to stick with it, although there were still some great moments. I think I was actually relieved when they announced that season 4 would be the last – much as I love me some weekly Wentworth Miller, I think the story was as stretched as it could take. The ending was a bit of a shock to me, just because I expected a cop-out ending to please the fans. This sadder, more authentic end was just as satisfying and was pretty moving. The coda double episode which was tagged on the end was a little strange – not really sure of the reasoning and frankly, I haven’t bothered to do any research. Nonetheless, it was a good romp. It also confirmed that the murdering paedophile T-Bag was indeed a nasty piece of work!
Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles was a show I eagerly awaited, preseason, and I for one was not disappointed. I thought the actors, the script and the quality of the effects were pretty decent and I would look forward to seeing it each week. I am not really sure what more could have been asked of it but unfortunately, the viewing figures disappointed a tough-to-please Fox and they chose to let it go. I suppose it *was* an expensive show to produce and with Fringe and Dollhouse also in the running, I have to say that if one had to give, this was the right choice. I am still over-the-moon that Dollhouse survived. Terminator may have been the sacrificial lamb but I am hoping its strongest element, Summer Glau, will now be free to work with Whedon on Dollhouse as this seems an obvious fit for her. You’ll be back? I don’t think so!
ETA: Summer Glau is confirmed to appear in Dollhouse Season 2 – YAY!
Pushing Daisies was beautiful, whismical, romantic, funny, dark and light. It was scrumptious and delightful. It was everything you never see on TV. Anna Friel and Lee Pace, who played the main two characters, had electric chemistry and the whole cast were supremely watchable but unfortuntely, the requisite amount of people did NOT watch and so, it was axed. I think I need a pie as consolation.
In Samantha Who, Christine Applegate was very charming as the amnesiac Samantha, trying to make amends for her pre-head injury bitchiness. It also starred the likeable Barry Watson (previously of What About Brian) and loveable Melissa McCarthy (Sookie from Gilmore Girls). The show was sweet, funny but essentially not exactly a major loss to TV. Cheerio!
My Name is Earl may have ran a lot longer than Samantha Who but I am afraid this falls into the same category. Whilst I will miss those crazy kids, I am sure my TV life will be no less the richer now that it has been cancelled. He didn’t even finish that damn list. Adios, dummy!
