it's pretty obvious by this point that what really sealed the deal on the show was the middle Sarah arc, which disappointed most of the target demographic at a time when they really needed to be revitalized
Ouch. That's a sensitive topic for today, especially considering how that was the rallying cry from some of the most hateful posts about this show ever made by "fans" (in quotes because the comments I read over and over again went beyond critical into pure meanness). I personally loved those 3 Sarah-heavy episodes: Earthlings, Good Wound, Some Must Watch. In terms of her character, they were powerful and important. Those 3 plus To the Lighhouse and Adam Raised a Cain were my favorites of this season.
But even if most fans didn't like those 3 episodes, the ratings did not take a dive because of them. So at most, I think one could argue that had we come into the back 9 with Lighthouse or Adam Raised a Cain kind of universal appeal, the OMG AWESOME SHOW buzz might've helped pick up a few more viewers. But what it have picked up enough viewers to seal the deal for a 3rd season? Really unlikely. I believe Fox's interference in the creative direction of the show, misguided marketing and a bad time slot are the reason TSCC is now gone. Fox never understood the show and they tried to make it into something it wasn't.
If hypothetically, you had a choice to get 9 more episodes of average level Sarah-centric-ness, at the cost of the middle Sarah Arc getting replaced by something with lots of explosions and Summer Glau, would you do it? Would you answer change depending on how many more episodes could be guarranteed?
If I had to trade the Sarah drama arc for a Cameron action arc, then no. I loved the action and explosions, but wouldn't have wanted more of it in exchange for less drama. I think that would be selling out the heart of the show. Also, if by average level Sarah-centricness you mean watering down Sarah, then again no. I always felt she was the central character and wouldn't want another season if it meant she wasn't. I mean that. If this show had to be something it wasn't in order to continue, it's probably best that we ended here (although I wish I'd loved the finale).
But I think what you're getting at is that season 2 lacked the perfect balance of character, drama and action that season 1 had. And I totally agree. If I had control of this hypothetical hindsight redo, season 2 would be different. Much of the problems it did have, though, I blame on Fox, not the writers. For the most part, I think they did an amazing job in dealing with the changes that were forced on them. If only Fox had kept their fucking idiotic ideas out of it I think the show would've been a lot strong and we'd have a 3rd season.
no subject
Ouch. That's a sensitive topic for today, especially considering how that was the rallying cry from some of the most hateful posts about this show ever made by "fans" (in quotes because the comments I read over and over again went beyond critical into pure meanness). I personally loved those 3 Sarah-heavy episodes: Earthlings, Good Wound, Some Must Watch. In terms of her character, they were powerful and important. Those 3 plus To the Lighhouse and Adam Raised a Cain were my favorites of this season.
But even if most fans didn't like those 3 episodes, the ratings did not take a dive because of them. So at most, I think one could argue that had we come into the back 9 with Lighthouse or Adam Raised a Cain kind of universal appeal, the OMG AWESOME SHOW buzz might've helped pick up a few more viewers. But what it have picked up enough viewers to seal the deal for a 3rd season? Really unlikely. I believe Fox's interference in the creative direction of the show, misguided marketing and a bad time slot are the reason TSCC is now gone. Fox never understood the show and they tried to make it into something it wasn't.
If hypothetically, you had a choice to get 9 more episodes of average level Sarah-centric-ness, at the cost of the middle Sarah Arc getting replaced by something with lots of explosions and Summer Glau, would you do it? Would you answer change depending on how many more episodes could be guarranteed?
If I had to trade the Sarah drama arc for a Cameron action arc, then no. I loved the action and explosions, but wouldn't have wanted more of it in exchange for less drama. I think that would be selling out the heart of the show. Also, if by average level Sarah-centricness you mean watering down Sarah, then again no. I always felt she was the central character and wouldn't want another season if it meant she wasn't. I mean that. If this show had to be something it wasn't in order to continue, it's probably best that we ended here (although I wish I'd loved the finale).
But I think what you're getting at is that season 2 lacked the perfect balance of character, drama and action that season 1 had. And I totally agree. If I had control of this hypothetical hindsight redo, season 2 would be different. Much of the problems it did have, though, I blame on Fox, not the writers. For the most part, I think they did an amazing job in dealing with the changes that were forced on them. If only Fox had kept their fucking idiotic ideas out of it I think the show would've been a lot strong and we'd have a 3rd season.