Aiming for better endings
TV Goddess
Published: May 18, 2006
Last Modified: May 18, 2006 at 02:12 AM
With two of TV's top dramas -- "Gilmore Girls" and "Veronica Mars" -- ending the season on a sour note, it's time to take stock of three others that have yet to wrap up.
First, about those less-than-stellar finales: After a frustrating season of "Gilmore Girls" in which viewers got sick of Luke and Lorelai's uncharacteristic behavior, Lorelai finally confronted Luke and headed straight into Christopher's arms -- prompting fans across the country to throw their remotes at their televisions in frustration and disgust.
And "Veronica Mars" proved that two seasons' worth of character development meant nothing as Cassidy "Beaver" Casablancas went from being the cute, naive rich boy to a cold-blooded killer with no remorse in a matter of minutes. Had he simply sought revenge against his molester, that would have been one thing, but to have this formerly sweet character kill anyone who crossed his path shows how little character means when the big mystery is all that matters.
With those unsatisfying finales behind us, viewers can look forward to endings of "24," "Alias" and "Everwood."
Fox's hit "24" wraps up with a two-hour finale beginning at 7 p.m. Monday. It's already been renewed for next season, but it's anyone's guess as to what form it will take. Many critics and fans believe that star Kiefer Sutherland's contract is a red herring to disguise the fact that his character will be killed off to end the season -- a shock that only "24" would be brave enough to pull off. With Jack Bauer seeking justice for his fallen CTU comrades and President Palmer, the plot has gone way past protecting the country and moved into something more personal for the superagent. It's exactly the type of situation that might get him killed -- but not before he saves the world. The smart money would have the star returning next season, of course, but on "24," anything is possible.
"Alias" will end its up-and-down run after five seasons with a two-hour series finale at 8 p.m. Monday on ABC. With Vaughn back and Sloane on the right side -- with the bad guys, where he belongs -- it's like the "Alias" of early years, which is exactly what fans have wanted for the past few seasons. There will certainly be shocks, and the producers have promised at least one major character's death, but the greatest hope among fans has to be that Sydney can finally get out of the spy business. Maybe the former literature major can enter the world of academia and focus on being a mother and a wife. After the years of torture and heartbreak for TV's greatest spy, "Alias" should wrap up with some semblance of happiness for her -- even if she loses someone she cares about first.
"Everwood," which will land on the CW next season if it's picked up, doesn't end until June 5. It is a far cry from the high-paced worlds of "24" or "Alias," but its ending likely will pack as much of an emotional punch. After all, Bright and Hannah have broken up, Andy is pining for neighbor and best friend Nina, and Ephram can't get over Amy -- and she doesn't seem to want him to. This week (at 8 p.m. Monday on the WB), Nina decides to move to Los Angeles with her fiance, Jake, leaving Andy uncertain about how to proceed. Andy's estranged father also pops up after 15 years. And as Bright turns 21, he drinks too much and an accident brings Hannah running. With its future uncertain and only three episodes remaining in the season, now is the time to tune in to this family drama.
Clearly, with five hours of top-notch television taking place on Monday, it's time to invest in as many TiVos and VCRs as your home can handle. It's a better option than missing any of these dramas. And they might just rinse away the bitter taste left by those other season finales.
TV reviewer and Portland, Ore.-based freelance journalist DeAnn Welker can be reached at deann@tvgoddess.com. To read more of her TV ramblings, visit www.tvgoddess.com.
Five shows to watch this week
Charmed
8 p.m. Sunday, the WB: As this witchy drama wraps up after seven silly seasons, Piper (Holly Marie Combs) must travel back in time to bring her sisters back from the dead. With that taken care of, they'll go out with a glimpse of what their futures hold.
Close to Home
8 tonight, CBS: As the first season of this family procedural wraps up, there is a new twist. Annabeth, a new mother at the beginning of the season, is assigned to a case in which two teens have killed a suspected pedophile. It might be a little difficult to distinguish the victim(s) from the guilty here for anyone, especially a mother. The network promises a twist that no one will see coming.
Inside the Actors Studio
8 p.m. Sunday, Bravo: Thank you, Don Cheadle, for stopping by the Actors Studio and redeeming my once beloved program. Thank you, James Lipton, for not choosing to interview Ludacris instead. In the beginning, Lipton's obsessive fawning wasn't a problem because most of his guests deserved it. But lately, hearing him tell people such as Jennifer Lopez and the cast of "Will & Grace" how amazing they are makes those earlier compliments lose a little something. Maybe Cheadle can bring a little of the show's esteem back.
House
8 p.m. Tuesday, Fox: Dr. House gets what's coming to him as he is shot by a former patient -- possibly someone who likes doctors to be a little nicer -- and then has to share a room with the injured gunman. It should make for some drama -- and comedy -- as the second season comes to a close.
Lost
8 p.m. Wednesday, ABC: The producers promise to answer viewers' questions this season. Hopefully, Walt will be reunited with his father and Locke will finally figure out that hatch. In a series that kills major characters off, it wouldn't be outside the realm of possibility to expect a death in the finale. But I wouldn't hold my breath.
-- DeAnn Welker
TUNE IN
Country Music Awards
Hosted by Reba McEntire, the 41st annual awards will feature acts such as Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood and Kenny Chesney.
7 p.m. Tuesday on CBS, Channel 11
