Where do television shows go when they die?
Television heaven? Is there a television set for every person in television heaven? Are these people glued to their TVs gripped with suspense or bawling with laughter?
Do bad shows go to television hell? Is television hell full of people with better things to do, with more intellectual and physical pursuits?
Was Kidnapped the victim of bad advertising, a bad time slot, bad lead-ins?
It could not have been due to bad writing, bad production, or a bad cast. Jeremy Sisto hailed as a man-for-hire, a retriever of kidnappees. One season of this gritty show would have revolved intricately around one case. This prematurely cut season dealt with the abduction of a rich and powerful New York couple(Timothy Hutton and Dana Delany)'s son.
Networks nowadays are quick on the draw. It feels as though every time a viewer doesn't watch, another show gets axed, and leaves the rest of us hanging. Some shows don't even stand a chance and get cancelled after only about 3 episodes. In most cases, this is not enough time to gather an audience. Shows need time to settle and develop its niche.
Nevertheless, low ratings equal television death. NBC's Kidnapped may have found a more sympathetic home on a cable network and would have at least acquired a cult status, but unfortunately, television is largely a hit-or-miss business and shows rarely get a second chance.
On the semi-bright side, the creators thoughtfully anticipated Plan B, a storyline that finishes the show in 13 episodes in case the series didn't get picked up for an entire 22 episode season. Catch these remaining episodes online on NBC or YouTube.
As I hopefully await the DVD set, I imagine the excellent show it could have been and mourn the loss.
R.I.P. Good, Promising Shows
(Cue sad music...)
American Embassy
Arrested Development
Carnivàle
Committed
Dead Like Me
Emily's Reasons Why Not
Eyes
Firefly
Freaks and Geeks
Heist
Huff
John Doe
Kidnapped
Kitchen Confidential
Love Monkey
Smith
Sons and Daughters
Threshold
Undeclared
Wonderfalls
