Classic TV Shows That Started Brilliantly but Ended with a Pathetic Finale

When a TV series starts with such promise and then disappoints in its finale, it leaves fans feeling both disappointed and entertained. This phenomenon is known all too well in the realm of television. From the complex political intrigue of Game of Thrones to the dark suspense and horror of Penny Dreadful, and the space opera of Battlestar Galactica, let's take a look at these series that started brilliantly but ended in a tragic farce.

Game of Thrones

When Game of Thrones debuted in 2011, it captured the hearts and minds of millions with its epic battles and intricate plotlines. The show's early seasons were filled with twists and turns that kept audiences on the edge of their seats. Each character's journey was meticulously crafted, and the show's overall tone was both solemn and grandiose.

It should have ended with a sense of serenity and closure, where all the characters' arcs came to satisfying conclusions. Instead, the show's finale episodes in 2019 were met with a mix of elation and anger. For many fans, the last two episodes felt rushed, lacking the depth and cohesion that had been present in the earlier seasons. The rushed denouement left many viewers feeling cheated, with significant storylines left unresolved.

Penny Dreadful

Penny Dreadful, a Showtime series that debuted in 2014, quickly established itself as a must-watch among horror and historical fiction fans. The storyline revolved around the Victorian era, featuring iconic characters like Dr. Frankenstein, Dorian Gray, and Dracula. The show's unique blend of storytelling, with a focus on an explorer and his quest to protect his daughter, added a fresh and captivating twist to these classic tales.

At the end of its third season, Penny Dreadful delivered a shock to its fans by announcing that it was the final season. Many viewers were initially devastated at the prospect of seeing the show end, only to be further disappointed when the finale turned out to be the actual series finale. Despite the introduction of new characters in the finale, the resolution felt abrupt and unsatisfying. Fans were left with the cliffhanger of the show's creator, Vanessa Ives, dying, which, given her critical role, made the conclusion feel incomplete and rushed.

Battlestar Galactica

Battlestar Galactica started with a bang and a compelling storyline centered around the last remnants of humanity's journey to find Earth. The first two seasons were highly praised for their innovative storytelling and tight, coherent plot structure. However, as the series progressed, particularly in season 3, the writing began to lose its edge and focus. The show became more of a train with tracks laid in front of it, making it feel less like a thrilling narrative and more like a list of events that had to be fulfilled.

The grand and hopeful final season felt like a bitter pill to swallow. The show delved into themes of despair, depression, and nihilism, culminating in a sense of hopelessness that was uncomfortable for many viewers. Key characters' deaths, including the president, and monumental events such as the ship's destruction and the mutiny added a chaotic and largely unsuccessful conclusion to the long-running series.

In summary, Game of Thrones, Penny Dreadful, and Battlestar Galactica initially dazzled their audiences with their promise, only to play out their finales with an air of disappointment. While these series may not have ended as fans might have hoped, they leave behind a lasting impact and a valuable lesson for future creators: the importance of maintaining narrative integrity and giving characters the justice they deserve.