The Challenge of Wrapping Up Great Stories: Why Many TV Shows and Movies Have Poor Endings

As SEO leads at Google, we often receive inquiries about the reasons behind the sometimes underwhelming endings of great TV shows and movies. In this article, we will explore the key factors that contribute to this phenomenon, starting with a classic example from the 1980s.

The Case of the Underwhelming Ending: Highlander (1986)

The movie Highlander, released in 1986, introduced the audience to a knight in 15th century Scotland and his immortal journey. The premise and script were intriguing, but the ending left much to be desired. The protagonist, the Highlander, wins his epic battle and gains access to all human thoughts due to a special "prize." However, for viewers who had invested in the journey and the battles, this prize felt underwhelming, as it didn't quite match the drama and action that had preceded it.

This moment of realization came in the early 1980s, leading to a fundamental question: why do many great TV shows and movies end in disappointing or unsatisfactory ways? The answer lies in the difficulty writers face in crafting endings that satisfy both the audience's expectations and the tactile storytelling of their series or films.

The Quest for Believability

Even as stories become increasingly fantastical, the audience still demands a sense of believability. Superhero films like Superman present a classic case study. Superman, with his incredible powers and heroic feats, needs something equally epic to cap his story. However, reaching the pinnacle of his abilities, as the hero might, doesn't leave much room for further progression.

Writers must then dream up something that exceeds these expectations. While some endings aim for awe, they often fall into the abstraction and absurdity trap. For instance, the idea of a character traveling through time might satisfy the plot, but it can become unrealistic and distracts from the core story.

The Creative Dilemma of Team Dynamics

The process of creating an ending involves a multitude of creative talents, and each has their ideas. This collaboration can sometimes lead to conflicts and convoluted stories. After the initial writer, directors, producers, executive producers, and studio executives all have a say, the original vision can become diluted. Different perspectives can introduce inconsistencies or weaken the narrative's impact.

The Demands of Broad Audience Appeal

In the realm of television, the challenge is even greater because shows need to appeal to a wide audience. Fitting everyone's expectations in one story is impossible, and in the process, quality often takes a back seat to mass appeal. This is what's known as the "lowest common denominator." That's why some TV shows, despite initial success, struggle to find the right ending that satisfies everyone.

The Unfortunate Reality of Writers' Strikes

Occasionally, a show's ending can be poor due to a writers' strike. In such cases, the original team that crafted the show's essence is no longer involved, and a less suited team takes over. This can lead to rushed or lackluster conclusions, failing to meet the show's original quality.

There are notable exceptions, such as J.J. Abrams, who is known for delivering disappointing endings. His primary issue seems to be the lack of a fully thought-out plan. As his shows gain success and financial rewards, he seems to prioritize quantity over quality in his storytelling. This tendency has left fans eagerly awaiting the day of his funeral, where their imagined eulogy might end with a poignant line about good endings being nothing more than a myth.

In conclusion, while the ending of a story can present challenges, it is crucial for the writer and the entire creative team to work together to craft a satisfying and believable conclusion. As viewers, we must recognize the complexity of this task and appreciate even the flawed conclusions for the effort they represent.