The Ends

Complex TV

All Ends, But Not All Ends ConcludeThe Final Part of Anything The Sought Part (Finale)

Stoppage

– Abrupt and unplanned

– Extratextually motivated

– Enigmas that may have been central remain unresolved

Wrap-Ups

• Not completely arbitrary narratively but unplanned endings nonetheless

• Usually at season’s end, with natural stopping points, some resolution reached

• Lack of finality

Wrap-ups are partial resolutions especially concerning complex series with seasonal arcs!!!

Conclusion

• Full intend to create a finalizing episode and statement,

• Resolutions can be offered since the end point was given in due time

• RARE: working against industry standards, but becoming normalized by cable series (BB, BSG) and event series (Fargo, Lost, AHS)

Variations Cessation

• The End is unannounced, stands without clarity (often fleeting)

Resurrection

• A clear End was announced, but circumstances warrant the material to be revived (same or other medium)

This is a FINALE

• Conclusion that is hyped, awaited and anticipated, celebrated, and turns into a cultural event: discourse over narrative

This conclusion is NEVER Thrust on Creators

Fan expectations and authorial delivery supersede narrative form and content.

Making it WorkMeta-Storytelling or “Nostalgia”

• Inward look at the series,

• Often during last season

• Often addresses audience through content breaking its own former conventions and intrinsic norms

• Providing “closure”

What is happening? Left Hanging.

• Enriching a discussion, keeping the narrative and cultural phenomenon going

• Maintaining a discussion by providing no clear or full resolution but refraining from a clear end