In the realm of television, few things are as divisive as a series finale. The culmination of years of storytelling, the final episode can either leave audiences satisfied or, in some cases, utterly disappointed. While not every creator is unhappy with their show's ending, these six series stand out for their controversial conclusions that even their creators couldn't quite get right. From 'Seinfeld' to 'The X-Files', these finales have left a lasting impact, both positive and negative, on the shows' legacies. Let's dive into the details and explore the reasons behind these creators' regrets and the broader implications of these endings.
'Seinfeld': A Celebration Gone Wrong
One of the most iconic sitcoms of all time, 'Seinfeld', ended on a controversial note. The finale sees Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer facing prison time for not intervening in a robbery, in accordance with a local Good Samaritan law. While co-creator Larry David has defended the ending, Jerry Seinfeld has admitted to occasionally regretting the decision to make the finale more of a celebration of the show itself. In my opinion, the mistake was leaving them in jail, as it felt like a cop-out and a missed opportunity to provide a satisfying conclusion. The finale could have been more impactful if it had focused on the characters' moral dilemmas and the consequences of their actions, rather than a simple resolution.
'Star Trek: Enterprise': A Big Swing Gone Wrong
The prequel to 'Star Trek: The Next Generation', 'Star Trek: Enterprise', ended on a controversial note. The finale saw the series fold into the continuity of 'The Next Generation', with Jonathan Frakes reprising his role as William Riker. While the move was meant to be a tribute to 'Star Trek' past, it robbed 'Enterprise' fans of closure for their favorite characters. In my view, this was a missed opportunity to provide a proper goodbye to the cast and a chance to explore the consequences of their actions. The finale could have been more impactful if it had focused on the characters' journeys and the impact of their decisions, rather than a simple crossover.
'Lost': A Messy Conclusion
ABC's 'Lost' ended on a controversial note, with the two-part finale revealing that the final season's alternate timeline was a form of purgatory. While some fans appreciated the twist, others felt that several plot threads were left unresolved. In my opinion, the show went on for too long, and the creators should have ended it on a high note. The finale could have been more impactful if it had focused on the characters' journeys and the consequences of their actions, rather than a complex and messy resolution. The show's longevity also led to a lack of closure for many fans, which is a common issue with long-running series.
'How I Met Your Mother': A Missed Opportunity
The two-part series finale of 'How I Met Your Mother' saw Ted Mosby reveal that his wife had passed away from an unknown illness. While some fans were outraged that the series-long search for Ted's soulmate ended with her death, creator Craig Thomas defended the decision. However, there's a particular scene that was cut from the finale - a widowed Ted and divorced Robin catching up - that could have won over viewers. In my view, the finale could have been more impactful if it had focused on the characters' relationships and the consequences of their actions, rather than a simple resolution. The show's ending also left a sour taste in the mouths of many fans, who felt that the series-long search for Ted's soulmate was not properly resolved.
'Dexter': A Network's Decision
The crime series 'Dexter' ended on a controversial note, with Dexter faking his own death by sailing a boat into an oncoming storm. While many audience members had been expecting the series finale to give the titular character his just desserts, the ending was reportedly due to the network, Showtime. In my opinion, the network's decision to bring back the show for spin-offs was a missed opportunity to provide a satisfying conclusion. The finale could have been more impactful if it had focused on the characters' journeys and the consequences of their actions, rather than a simple resolution.
'The X-Files': A Cliffhanger Gone Wrong
'The X-Files' ended on a controversial note, with the Season 11 finale frustrating longtime fans with insane plot twists and ending on a cliffhanger. Even Dana Scully herself, Gillian Anderson, publicly declared that she wouldn't be returning for a Season 12. In my view, the show's creators should have provided a more satisfying conclusion. The finale could have been more impactful if it had focused on the characters' journeys and the consequences of their actions, rather than a simple cliffhanger. The show's ending also left a sour taste in the mouths of many fans, who felt that the series-long search for the truth was not properly resolved.
In conclusion, these six series finales have left a lasting impact on the shows' legacies. While some creators have defended their decisions, others have admitted to regretting their choices. These finales serve as a reminder that even the most beloved shows can have controversial endings, and that the impact of these endings can be felt for years to come. It's a testament to the power of television to leave a lasting impression, for better or for worse.
