3 Types of Season Finales

May is coming to a close, which also means that the major five networks television season is closing as well. The upfronts are done; everyone knows whether or not they are truly unemployed or just on hiatus. It also means that everyone is going out with a bang, a whimper or a weeping goodbye.

At the end of the each season, a viewer realizes there are three very clear types of season finales: 1. the "We are definitely coming back, squirm for 4 months with anticipation," 2. the "We're on a bubble--it could go either way; so here's a little tease with wrap up," and 3. the "We're out the door, but thanks for watching (if you were)."

A few examples:

1. "We're definitely coming back."
Supernatural: The writers of Supernatural always go out with a bang--always. This year was no different really (although it wasn't an action bang this time). The last few years the writers have been toying around the idea of religion and God (despite mutliple impending apocalypses the supreme being was no where to be found). The finale this past Friday spun the idea into a raging tailspin that I can't wait to see the closure on.

Castle: Despite the writing feeling a little lackadaisical during May Sweeps, the team pulled together to do what they do best for the finale: a nail biting, gut wrenching, extravaganza cliff hanger. Granted, the person injured is a major player and will no doubt be returning; it still leaves the audience wondering how they will be saved. Also, you have Rick finally saying the "L" word, which is an entirely different type of cliffhanger; and will Kate even remember hearing that word?

2. "We're on a bubble."
The Good Wife: I love the editing style of this show--the use of the Soprano-esque cut to black at infuriating spots. Although the finale didn't really do that this time; for me, it could have cut to black a good 45 seconds sooner to have the impact I wanted. But the viewers finally got to see Alicia and Will making a dash (with all signs pointing "no") to the bedroom. The tease here is what will this fall out be. Peter will now be in office, which means--inevitably--some paparazzi saw Alicia commit this act of indiscretion.

Nikita: This show has not gotten nearly enough press in my opinion. Maggie Q is great, and the finale matched her. The writers had a couple of fake deaths, some major ass kicking, a love story on track, and a twist. This was the perfect on the bubble finale. The major story arc of taking down a main villain was accomplished (Yay!). But the writers also included a short scene with fellow-protagonist Alex that setup a new bad guy, and--maybe, just maybe--mentor vs pupil season next year.

3. "We're out the door."
There are actually two types of these. One where you've religiously let a program into your home for multiple seasons and it's time to conclude the story. The other is the one season wonder who is out for the count, and probably was starting in December.

Smallville: In an earlier post I talked about this being the final season of Smallville, which meant their finale was a weeping goodbye 2 hour drama. The writing for the episode was not great, but it included clips and cast members that made it worth it for die hard fans. Also, the episode accomplished 2 things (sort of) that ALL of it's viewers had been waiting for: 1. Clark finally flew and 2. Clark put on the suit. Well, these things kinda happened; there was no true shot of Clark in the suit, and all the flying was poor CGI where you couldn't distinguish if it was truly Tom Welling. I was still over joyed to see Michael Rosenbaum as Lex again; and I teared up every time John Schneider came on the screen.

No Ordinary Family: This was the little show who just couldn't. Despite having a stellar cast--Michael Chiklis, Julie Benz, Stephen Collins, Josh Stewart--it just could not get off the ground. ABC did them no favors with the schedule, putting it on against Glee, NCIS, Idol, etc (it bounced between 8 PM and 9 PM). The finale had all the drama and fighting that you want from a show with super heroes. The villain is defeated (Collins definitely wasn't a minister in this series). But just to show they had heart and faith (albeit misplaced) they gave audiences a tease that there could be more: the government knows about the abilities of the Powell family. And that is where ABC cut to black.

Now that the networks are entering the land of repeats and cheap reality, we turn to cable (namely USA, HBO, Showtime, and TNT) to entertain us. I, personally, am looking forward to Rizzoli and Isles the most; talk about a finale they left me squirming! July 11th will be almost NINE months I've been left wondering what happens to the Rizzoli family. 

Overall this finale season was lackluster at best. There were a few others (Fringe, NCIS: LA) that went out with a true bang. But overall, I'm not really squirming for the fall. In fact, I feel relaxed waiting for what cable has to offer this summer.