T.V. Show Life Span

     Life revolves around television, whether it's for entertainment or keeping up with the news. But TV's main backbone is probably the shows that fill the airwaves, some good, some bad, and some even manage to survive over the decades. However sometimes I have a problem with shows that tend to have longer life spans, sometimes I feel they need to call it quits sooner rather than later. This may sound like an attack on TV shows, but believe me when I say that it is out of respect, allow me to explain.

   My earliest experience in really getting into a show was MASH, I was growing up I was very interested in WW2 and history of that era. When re-runs for MASH cam on my dad pointed them out to me and I fell in love with the show. It was the first show where I could understand the context, the scenario and actually enjoy/observe characters grow and change. MASH made social commentary, fun humor and sometimes, the darkest scenarios you could imagine. You never knew quite what was in store for you when the opening sequence began to roll, but you did know that you would love it. MASH lasted eleven seasons, spanning the years of 1972 - 1983. Over the course of that time several major characters left to go pursue other opportunities, leaving the writers to find someone to fill the empty pair of shoes left before them. People grow to love characters, so when you've grown up with and shared in the experiences alongside that character and he/she disappears, replaced by someone you've never heard of, that can lead to some backlash. This backlash can even turn shows into ruin, causing the fan base to dwindle and no longer support said show. But MASH Handled these changes with grace; other shows have made the mistake of simply trying to replace that character, but that never seems to do justice towards the show or missing actor. MASH replaced the characters but the ones it introduced were new in their own way and contrasted just as well with the original characters. These new characters had just as much depth as the departed, this is because they were their own person and not just a clone to fill the void. MASH is my favorite show of all time, it managed to rise in popularity without ever losing a step. But that doesn't really prove my point that shows need to know when to call it quits, to really cement that idea I'll turn to another show that I love but sadly, didn't age as well over the years. The Office.

   The Office ran from 2005 - 2013 spanning nine seasons. Originally starting out as a short season you could buy off itunes and turning into a powerhouse television show. The office was successful because it managed to blend humor and a sense of relatability, everyone on the show seemed to be someone you knew in real life, at least that was the way it started. When Steve Carell was finally ready to take his leave and exit with his beloved character Michael Scott many thought that The Office should call it quits too. The Office would go on for two more seasons, during which it's popularity began to drop off and the show became less of a relatable comedy and more of a bunch of wacky characters in an office space. Personally I still loved the show and supported it until the very end but I could see where the show dropped off. The finale was good and wrapped up the show, but I feel if it had been a couple seasons sooner it would of had a greater response and impact. A show is only as good as it's finale and if your show goes off the air and people are still praising it and wanting more, then you have done your job as a writer/producer of that show. What's the best modern example of this? Well just look to your local run of the mill chemistry teacher.

   Breaking Bad, praised as one of the greatest shows of all time. The show mixed comedy, suspense and crime in a way you couldn't have imagined, the creator Vince Gilligan now seen as a genius. This show was lucky, all of it's main cast was loyal up into the very end, never really having to deal with any major names suddenly departing. It managed to introduce new characters on a whim and lead to all fans going crazy for their new favorites (only to kill them off before you can say Mr. White). The plot always moved forward and created new twists and turns for the audience to become blissfully enveloped in. How long did the show last? It lasted from 2008 - 2013 covering five seasons. It just recently came to a close and it was in the highest demand it had ever been. "They must be crazy to end it hear!" Well I think Vince Gilligan picked the perfect spot to close the curtain. Everyone loved it, there was never any time to jump off the bandwagon. So what is my conclusion? A good TV show leaves you wanting more, you don't want to to be left with a sour taste in your mouth that causes you to forget all great memories of past episodes. So to all those in charge of creating and airing shows, it may be hard to throw in the towel, but sometimes when and how you do it can leave a show with an immortal legacy.

Final Shot Of MASH