From the Big Screen to the Small: Why Certain Films Would Excel as TV Series

Great films often lay a solid foundation for successful television series, blending thrilling narratives with complex characters. However, sometimes the inherent structure of a single film can limit its full potential, much like we see with The Eternals. This article explores the merits of converting films like The Eternals and Heat into TV shows, highlighting how a more episodic approach could have brought out the richness of their stories and characters.

The Eternals: A Film Needing an Extended Series

Director Chloé Zhao and her stellar cast, including Oscar-winning actors like Mark Ruffalo and Lia-Anna de La Cruz, set the bar high for a massive action-adventure film. The comics series offers a wealth of interconnected stories that could easily transition into a multi-episode arc.

Unfortunately, the two-hour format of The Eternals forced numerous character arcs, relationships, and plot threads into a rushed and condensed narrative. This approach not only diminished character development but also left many unanswered questions. For example, the relationship between Sprite and Kingo is a central point of tension, with Sprite's dislike for Kingo being poorly explained in the film. A TV series would have provided a more in-depth exploration into these relationships and the motivations behind the characters' actions.

Heat: An Action-Intense Mini-Series

Michael Mann's Heat is a cinematic masterpiece known for its tense bank heists, complex characters, and a rich storyline. While the film captures the essence of its narrative and characters, a more extended format could have enhanced the storytelling even further. Here's how an Heat TV series could look:

Episode Breakdown

Episode 1: Setting up the opening heist and bringing a tenacious detective, Vincent Hanna, into the investigation. Introduce the other main characters, including the lead-in to the relationships and the heists themselves. Episode 2: Follow up on leads and meet new characters, such as Eady, delving into the personal lives of the main characters. Vince's home life and Chris's gambling issues are explored, leading to more complex storylines. Episode 3: The metals depository heist, setting up the wider team and the roles each player would take. The end could be a tantalizing cliffhanger with Vincent and his team being "made" by Neil. Episode 4: The highlight of this episode is the coffee shop scene between De Niro and Pacino, two legendary actors. This episode would end with the arrival of Vincent's team for the bank heist. Episode 5: The epic bank heist itself with Breedan replacing Trejo, and Charlene's kidnapping create a tense atmosphere. The episode ends shortly after Michael Cheritto is shot dead by Vincent. Episode 6: The aftermath leads to the final confrontation between Neil and Vincent. The episode ends with the same intensity as the final scene in the film, including the resolution of personal arcs and the ultimate showdown.

The episodic format of a TV series would allow for greater character development, a more detailed plot exploration, and a more engaging experience for the audience. It would have also provided a platform to introduce viewers to the depth and intricacies of the characters and their intertwined relationships. As it stands, the film is still a brilliant piece of work, and the thought of it as a series only adds to its appeal.

Conclusion: The Potentials of Hollywood Adaptations

Conversion of films like The Eternals and Heat into TV series offers a unique opportunity to explore and expand upon the stories, characters, and themes present in the original films. This format allows for a more complex narrative that can satisfy both loyal fans and new viewers. As television continues to evolve, it remains a fertile ground for filmmakers to turn ambitious works into long-form entertainment, offering richer experiences and deeper insights into the stories they tell. The potential is there, and with the right adaptation, these films could become beloved series that captivate audiences for years to come.