I’m always sad to see a good TV show finish. Writing an ending that is going to satisfy every fan is an impossible task. Let’s take a look at some of my favourite shows and how they ended.
Buffy
If I didn’t love the Buffy universe as much as I do, I’d be harsher about the finale. What was the point of The First? How did destroying the hellmouth in Sunnydale prevent The First from world domination? If anyone can help me with that one, I’d appreciate it.
Why did Willow wait until the last possible moment to do that spell to turn potentials into slayers? Why did Buffy and Angel kiss? Their relationship was over years ago. I think the writers were trying to please the Bangel fans, but it made no sense really.
Forgiving all that, I admit to still tearing up when I watch the scene before the battle when it’s just the original gang: Buffy, Willow, Xander and Giles in the school hallway, a nostalgic nod to season 1 and a fitting bookend to the series. The first glance into the mouth of hell was scary and the potentials becoming fully fledged slayers was a powerful moment. Buffy ended over ten years ago, and it’s just a pity there haven’t been very many powerful female superheroes since.
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Angel
I stopped watching Angel after the horrible shenanigans of season 4 and the total destruction of Cordelia Chase’s character, so I can’t comment on the finale. If anyone watched Angel to the end, let us know your thoughts in the comments. I’d love to hear what people thought of season 5 in general.
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Medium
I watched Medium a few years ago and fell in love with the Dubois family. Recently I went back and watched all seven seasons, knowing full well I hated the finale the first time around, but hoping that on the second viewing, I’d manage to appreciate it. I didn’t.
I felt the finale ignored the heart of the TV show. Medium on the surface may have been a show about a psychic woman who used her powers to help her employer, the DA of Phoenix and the police. But at its heart, Medium was about Allison and her family: her devoted husband Joe and their three beautiful daughters. The finale destroyed the family dynamic and I can’t help but view it as a slap in the face to loyal viewers.
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Dark Angel
One of the best finales – in my opinion anyway. “Freak Nation” was a double episode that opened up so much possibility for another season. It’s a real pity Dark Angel wasn’t given a third series.
Seattle is now fully aware of the existence of genetically engineered humans, and the majority couldn’t be happier to see each and every one of them exterminated. After a tense hold up at Jam Pony, Max and her friends flee to Terminal City where they make their stand. Jessica Alba delivers a powerful speech and the transgenics gather on the roof to raise the unique flag Joshua created for them.
A fantastic end to one of my favourite TV shows. Jessica Alba delivered in Max a strong, witty, intelligent, at times vulnerable, but always capable woman.
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Roswell
One of my favourite finales. It was sad watching the gang say goodbye to their loved ones before they went on the run from alien hunters, but the ending was so happy.
Liz sent her journal home so her parents would know why she had to leave, and while she spoke in a voiceover, we watched her & Max get married in the future with the rest of the gang there celebrating with them. They drove off together in hippy van to the upbeat sound of Ash’s “Shining Light”. It was a really lovely way to finish the short three seasons.
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Friends
A bittersweet ending, although it baffled me how Ross went on and on about Rachel moving to another country and not being able to see her every day, yet didn’t once mention how he felt about his daughter moving to Paris. Very strange.
Monica and Chandler became parents, Chandler got the last word – of course, and then the final shot of the purple door to the apartment…
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The X-Files
I gave up on this show towards the end, so can’t remember how it finished, but I think Mulder spent most of the time in jail? Can anyone fill me in on this one? The X-Files was my favourite TV show until Buffy came along. Mulder & Scully remain two of my favourite characters.
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Tru Calling
The final episode was great, but the show was cancelled, and so we never got any resolution.
Tru Calling was getting so good at that point. The last episode delivered suspense and intrigue amid a Christmas setting. Adding Jason Priestley to the cast halfway through the first season was the best thing this show ever did.
Tru believes it’s her duty and calling to save people who have died when they ask her for help. The day rewinds and she does her utmost to make sure they avoid ending up in her morgue.
Jack on the other hand believes Tru is messing with the natural order, and when a person dies, they should not be saved.
In the last episode, we got to see Tru and Jack work together for once. Their banter was entertaining, and I even felt sorry for Jack admitting he didn’t want to be alone on Christmas Eve. Yet behind it all, Tru’s father has a dark hold on Jack, and while Tru in the spirit of Christmas invites her estranged father and Jack into her home for holiday drinks and seems genuinely happy for them all to be together in that moment, the sinister atmosphere is evident, and the audience knows it’s only a matter of time before they betray Tru’s trust.
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Did you watch any of these TV shows? What’s your favourite TV finale, and which did you find lacking?
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Emma's Ramblings on Supernatural Fiction 
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