It is a two fold post today that also reflects my nerdiness. Becky and I were leaving the other day when ta-da, the new Charlaine Harris book, Dead Reckoning, loomed on the Express rack. Though we're both on the holds list, we grabbed a copy to check out, as we both wanted to read the latest excitement in Sookie Stackhouse's life. I finished my copy in two days, but this doesn't mean I enjoyed the book.
Here's my review of the book:
Better than the last book, which isn't saying much. I think the series is dying from longevity. The fae story is weird and rather uncomfortable to read. Eric has gone from rallying hero to possessive jerk. And we're back full circle to cheering on Bill, though Eric had a few brief moments of being our sick sadistic hero. And all the humor in the series has died.
Harsh words for a series I truly enjoy, but I think the series has run its course. Enough already! Don't ruin the series by riding the money train because the tv show is doing so well.
Many tv series have the same problem. They wear out their welcome. They don't end on a high note like they should. I have plans with my tv this weekend with one of these shows which is finally ending, though I think it found steam towards the end. (I'll write about this next week.) As I went through my DVD collection, I realized many shows have their best seasons between the 2nd and 3rd year then tread water the rest of the series, sometimes to the detriment of the show's integrity. That lead me to another thought. Are you familiar with any shows that have hurdled over the three year mark? That you can honestly say a season past the 3rd year was the best season. I actually can answer that one. I'm currently watching Supernatural, which I feel is a phenomenal show. Its 4th season was the best, but it's current season is going strong.
So do you have any shows you think should have ended early, rather than continuing on? Or any book series that has overstayed its welcome? Or any tv shows that you feel overcame the 3rd year hump? Please share. I'm always looking for another book or tv series.
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5 comments:
I think West Wing cleared the 3 year hurdle, but it was meant to last through 2 presidential terms. Others that have cleared the hurdle have been the Star Trek series, except the Original series (only had 3 seasons). Why do I say this? Well, it doesn't matter how far-fetched and unbelievable those stories are - they take place out in space where, I think, anything is fair game just with how little we know about our galaxy.
Series that I think have run their course and are still on TV:
House - They have beat a dead horse there. A doctor who is a drug addict that can solve mysteries. Same. Story. Every. Week.
TrueBlood – Doesn’t even follow what the books are about. Too gory and sadistic.
Burn Notice – Just kill the main character already!
Three and a Half Men – Yes, they are technically over, but if C.S. hadn’t gone all crazy; we would still have this show on the air.
American Idol – It’s been 10 years, the talent is never really big and some just can’t sing at all. I’m not an Idol basher, but let’s find something else to get excited about besides singing. Either a person can or they can’t. Quit stringing them and all of America on with this show.
Okay, there are my thoughts on show that have been and some that are, unfortunately, still running their course.
Yes, I think the Soprano's hurdled past the 3 year hurdle...actually made it to the end and then they decided to end it. There are also some classics that ended on their own...you are probably too young to remember them. Remember the Mary Tyler Moore show and that classic ending? One thing that kills tv shows is if there is any romantic chemistry thing going on between the main couples. Nothing kills a show faster than the two main characters getting together. Can anyone say Moonlighting?
By the way...good review.
About Dead Reckoning: I don't really mind the Fae story but I think she needs to figure out what she's doing with it and she needs to keep her details straight. The Finton-Mitchell thing was weird--it seems like she's implying that Finton occasionally made himself look like Mitchell but forgot to change his foot-size--which begs the question of Where's Mitchell? Then she implies that Finton takes over Mitchell's body--which begs the question of What's the deal with the feet?
I didn't buy any of the characters except Bubba--they didn't ring true to themselves, even at their worst. I'd like the series to continue but only if she decides she still likes the characters/world she's created.
About other series that have run their course: Moonlighting is an excellent example and although Friends had its moments, as it progressed they really seemed to struggle with storylines. *I hated the Joey/Rachel romance.
Becky
Back to Dead Reckoning--one thing about the fae that does really weird me out is the adult relatives snuggling together in bed. Ick.
Becky
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