Shows that finished too early. (TV Programs in General)

Member Name: dididave

Product:	TV Programs in General
Date:	29/10/07 (140 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Classic shows

Disadvantages: Almost definitely never to return

How many shows end just as you start to enjoy them? I know it seems that whenever I start to watch something it seems to be coming towards the end of it's run. It is almost as if programme makers have a camera into my living room and say, "Dave is enjoying himself again, quick let us stop this schnell!". Do not know why programme makers tend to lapse into German but there you go. Anyhoo, back to my review and in no particular order...

5: Knightmare.

An absolute classic, this children's TV show seemed to end abruptly in the height of it's popularity. A team of competitors enter the magical dungeons with "Tregard", a wizened old adventurer as their guide. One bold adventurer is directed through perilous dungeons by his companions as he is almost completely blind due to an oversized horny helmet (I kid you not). Along the way there are numerous side quests, puzzles and objects to find and deploy, plus spells to cast, traps to dodge and monsters to escape from. In the early nineties "Knightmare" was at the cutting edge of children's television and used computer graphics to put players in the action. This was a programme that had scary giant tarantulas and flying dragons yet strayed between the fantastical and fearful to the hysterically funny. This was largely thanks to the creepy, cliched "Treguard" with his terrible one liners and the obvious frustrations of the young competitors as they told their friend to move a bit to the left so he stepped right off a precipice. Add to this some ridiculous use of objects and spells which became spelling tests and you had TV gold.

This is a show that is so made for a comeback in this day of CGI and I for one think a modern audience would love it as much as I did and still do!

4: Going for Gold.

Bare with me on this one! Outwardly "Going for Gold" was just another daytime quiz show but, like so many great shows, it was made great by a great host and ingenious concept. This was the Eurovision Song Contest in general knowledge quiz form as contestants from around Europe, or at least those with a decent standard of English competed in several knockout stages until it became a one on one battle. Things were helped along by the ever genial irishman Henry Kelly who encouraged the contestants and sympathised with them. The simple format, coupled with the competitiveness of the competing countries made this captivating stuff.

Of course, updating "Going for Gold" would be pointless as although it is horribly dated, it is also wonderfully cheesy. Providing they can get Henry Kelly on board, is definitely due a comeback.

3: Coupling.

I got into "Coupling" as it finished. Billed as the British version of "Friends" I actually think in many respects it was far better being both funnier and edgier. Revolving, as you may guess around the relationships of a group of friends, it shared many of the same themes. A coffee shop was replaced by a bar, the sexual relationships and insecurities of the characters remain the same but it is all more pronounced and ridiculous. "Coupling" is "Friends" with swearing and nudity and is all the better for it. With great actors such as Jack Davenport from "This Life" and "Pirates of the Carribean" fame and Sarah "Smack the Pony" Alexander this is a show that ended way before it was due. It is unlikely to come back however, as the actors have all moved on.

2: The Savages.

I have to admit that I have a softspot for "The Savages" as it is the show my wife and I watched as we were courting. However, I do not believe it is rose tinted glasses that make me wish for this shows return. Very much like "My Family" before "My Family" even existed this sitcom was based around a married couple and their two kids and it was their squabbles and problems that made it worth watching. Stand up comedian Marcus Brigstocke plays a cartoonist while Victoria Hamilton, who is more known for straight roles in period dramas such as "Pride and Prejudice" is surprisingly funny as a struggling travel agent. Geoffrey Palmer as the interfering father adds to the cast and as it was written by "Men Behaving Badly's" Simon Nye, the humour was right up my street.

After only one series it was axed, so absolutely no chance of a repeat although I have fond memories.

1: Futurama.

"Futurama" was always going to struggle as the new "Simpsons" and it was only after it finished that there was a public outcry yet I always preferred "Futurama". It is far more eccentric, the characters are funnier and the stories never dull. Whereas I have often found "The Simpsons" to be hit and miss, every single "Futurama" episode is a joy. The premise is simple Fry, a pizza delivery worker falls into one of the company's time capsules and doesn't emerge until the dawn of the year 3000. Here he befriends a beautiful one-eyed alien called Leela and a degenerate robot named Bender. The trio track down Professor Farnsworth, who hires them to work for his intergalactic delivery service. Together they traverse the cosmos delivering goods for Planet Express. With the whole universe and history to play with, the shows creator Matt Groening is obviously having a ball and it is with great sadness that I mourned the loss of "Futuruma" at the end of season five.

Is it likely to make a comeback? Probably not, with "The Simpsons" still a worldwide phenomenon there is no reason to bring it back.

Anyway that is the end of my ramblings for today. Some of the shows you will have heard of, others perhaps more obscure but if it makes you check them out then my work here is done.

N.B: I know there is a category for ten shows to make a comeback but I have already rambled for a thousand words and did not want to write a further thousand aimlessly!

Summary: A great set of shows that everyone should try and catch up on.