Topic: I hate when they do that

[DJ Doena]

The following does contain spoilers about the following series:

Xena
Quantum Leap
Babylon 5
Space: Above And Beyond
Buffy
Mortal Kombat


If you don't know it and don't want to be spoiled, don't read.











I really hate when they do that. I just watched the "Xena" finale and I had never seen it before. It ends with the death of Xena. I know why the producers do it. They draw a line and say: that was it, there won't be any more. But that's IMHO a weak argument.

It just feels pointless to watch a character over many years just to see him die just because the show ends. If a character dies during the years, that's either because it was necessary for the storyline or the actor wanted out. That's ok, that's understandable. But to kill the main character in the final episode is just stupid.

In "Babylon 5" the death of Sheridan was set with the beginning of the 4th season. One could get used to the fact that he will ultimately die in 20 years and the final episode "Sleeping in Light" was a very good peace of TV. But why kill Xena? Just to show that she is willing to lay down her own life? We've seen that before more than once (it's not the first time she died). So where's the point?

Even worse was "Quantum Leap". An off-screen voice told us that Sam never returned home. All hope dies in that very moment. Why not let it open?

The same goes for "Buffy". There they killed Anya, just because the actress didn't want to return in an 8th season. But by the time they shoot the finale they had to know that this was it. Spike was killed, too, but I've heard that he will somehow return in the 5th season of "Angel".

In "Space" and "Mortal Kombat" they killed off nearly the entire cast within minutes.


As I said I know the argument of the producers but I can't really accept it.

[Tom]

They also killed off Buffy in the season 5 finale in what was supposed to be the series finale. Another network then picked up the series.
But in this case it worked well IMO.

[Najemikon]

Tom, I don't think season 5 was supposed to be the end. I'm sure the other network was ready and willing before season 5 ended. Maybe it was a small amount of insurance, but if season six didn't get picked up, WB would still have had rights to the characters and Joss Whedon could have finished it properly during the Angel run. One of the sad things about changing networks was that WB wouldn't allow anymore crossovers.

Onto season 7, Spike didn't so much die, as attain a different state. So I believe his characters end as far as Buffy was concerned, was very good. Especially as I'd been disappointed in the tame version of Spike in preceding seasons. I'm sure I heard that Anya died because Emma Caulfield asked for it; either for a guarantee of her characters end, or because she wanted a shameless glory moment! I didn't mind her going though, but you've reminded me that literally my only problem with that marvellous ending, is Xander's reaction to Anya's death. Or the lack of a reaction is more apt!

I also disagree with your Quantum Leap. I found it to be a beautiful end to a series that, much as I enjoyed it, was a bit predictable. I especially enjoyed the notion that Sam helped Al. I can't really remember the details.

In general terms though, I agree with you. But sometimes I suppose producers and actors (Emma Caulfield style) want some sort of assurance that the job is done and dusted. That fans won't be badgering them forever more for a Next Gen sequel. After all, it's hard to realise that some of our best loved series are simply jobs, dictated by contracts and money.

Personally, I think I prefer some sort of closure. I thought The Sopranos was brilliantly done. Like Buffy, it somehow drew a bold line under the series, without executing anyone. Executions though are preferable to my least favourite series end: Beauty and The Beast. Was a dark cave, a roar and "VINCENT!" the best they could do?

By the way, I bet you really don't like Blakes 7, eh? 

[Tom]

Tom, I don't think season 5 was supposed to be the end. I'm sure the other network was ready and willing before season 5 ended.

As far as I remember, it wasn't quite sure while the season was still in production. Joss Whedon had Buffy on the market and it wasn't quite certain, who will pick it up. Season 5 finale was made like it would be, as if it was the end. WB also promoted it as Series finale of course, but at that time, it was already public knowledge, that UPN picked up the series.

[DJ Doena]

I didn't mind her going though, but you've reminded me that literally my only problem with that marvellous ending, is Xander's reaction to Anya's death. Or the lack of a reaction is more apt!

That was a bit weak, yes. "That's my girl." were his words IIRC.

I also disagree with your Quantum Leap. I found it to be a beautiful end to a series that, much as I enjoyed it, was a bit predictable. I especially enjoyed the notion that Sam helped Al. I can't really remember the details.

It's ok that he didn't return on-screen but to deny the possibility that he ever will?

That fans won't be badgering them forever more for a Next Gen sequel. After all, it's hard to realise that some of our best loved series are simply jobs, dictated by contracts and money.

But on the other hand shows like Buffy or Xena have no problems with bringing someone back from the dead. So the fans have no problem with asking for it anyways.

Personally, I think I prefer some sort of closure.

But the closure has to be done good. Star Trek TNG had a form of a closure and an open end at the same time and it was way better than the ending of DS9 and VOY.

By the way, I bet you really don't like Blakes 7, eh? 

Blakes 7?

[Najemikon]

You don't know about Blakes 7? I should get a screenshot for the Guess The TV Show thread! 

It's a classic British sci-fi show. I've never seen it properly to be honest, but it was like Doctor Who in its day though more adult I believe, so everyone knew about it. Hugely influential, I think Firefly would be its closest modern equivalent, but I just read a synopsis and there's a healthy dose of Total Recall to be found as well. The ending is iconic and has always split fans right down the middle.

Obviously me mentioning it here may have alerted you to the nature of the ending. If you think you ever fancy watching it, I suggest you don't read all the way down through the four series plot summary on the following page... 
Blake's 7

EDIT: I love this line! The series was originally set to conclude at the end of its third season, but was unexpectedly renewed for a further season at the last moment, after a BBC continuity announcer mistakenly said it would "return next year". Oh such innocent times. If only announcers had such power now...

[Achim]

More SPOILERS to come...






So, DJ, you didn't like Serenity either then...? I actually was also quite shocked of the ending.

[DJ Doena]

You mean because of Wash? Yeah, that came really unexpected.

It doesn't mean that I don't like these finales, they can be very interesting. It's just the dying-part that I don't like.

[Achim]

You mean because of Wash? Yeah, that came really unexpected.

Yes. ...and as he was my favorite character I was really shocked. Maybe the actor was worried the series was picked up again and wanted no part in that

[DJ Doena]

Yes. ...and as he was my favorite character I was really shocked. Maybe the actor was worried the series was picked up again and wanted no part in that

AFAIR Joss Whedon wanted the audience to fear for the others. As it is the finale he could easily every single one of them. From the moment Wash died no ones survival was certain anymore.

[lovemunkey187]

In "Space" and "Mortal Kombat" they killed off nearly the entire cast within minutes.

I think that the ending for Space:AAB was very apt.

They were at war......shit happens.