"Paul Levinson's It's Real Life is a page-turning exploration into that multiverse known as rock and roll. But it is much more than a marvelous adventure narrated by a master storyteller...it is also an exquisite meditation on the very nature of alternate history." -- Jack Dann, The Fiction Writer's Guide to Alternate History

Friday, May 14, 2010

FlashForward 1.20: Rehearsal for Unwarranted Retirement

I saw FlashForward 1.20 last night, right before I came across the apparently definite report that the series was not being renewed for next year.   Which is a shame.   FlashForward had a few less than stellar episodes after its strong debut in the Fall, but the last few episodes - including and since Mark saved Demetri from death via Mark's gun - have been excellent on all accounts.

Last night kept the pressure up on Demetri, who may be slated for death anyway, by a universe intent on seeing its original flashforward will done.  In a chilling conversation, Gabriel insists to Demetri that he will indeed die, somehow.   In the meantime, the FlashForward day is tomorrow, and Zoey wants Demetri to fly with her to get married in Hawaii.   Demetri wants to stay and help his colleagues at the FBI.

And there's also this:  Demetri is taking a greater, literally paternal interest in Janis's baby.   She wants none of that, even though she's grateful for the baby.   She's feeling a little more in control of her life, and she finally breaks free of the pet shop lady and the nefarious group she represents.

Simon, on the other hand, is getting more involved in this group, though it's not clear who controls whom.   He sleeps with Annabeth Gish - score one for Simon - but she's just doing that so Simon could be where her boss, head of the bad guys, wants him.  The guy's a quiet, nasty customer, but as far as I could see, Simon came out ahead.

Back to Gabriel: he's keeping the pressure up on Mark, too, telling him how the future belongs to Olivia and Simcoe.    Mark asks if Olivia will at least be happy.  Gabriel assures Mark she will.  I'm still rooting for Mark and Olivia.

Just a few more episodes left.   I'm predicting that FlashForward will go on to become a cult classic.

See also FlashForward Debuts and Oceanic Airlines as a Portal Between FlashForward and Lost ... 1.2: Proofs and Defiance of Inevitability ... 1.3: Conficting Visions and Futures ... 1.4: FlashForward Meets Shaft and House ... Drunk FlashForwarding in 1.5 ... Across the Universe in FlashForward 1.6 ... FlashForward 1.7: The Future Can Be ... FlashForward 1.8: The Nightie as a Grain of Sand ... FlashForward 1.9: Shelter from the Storm ... Olivia Benford at Harvard in Flashforward 1.10 ... Flashforward 1.12 Parts 1 and 2 ... FlashForward 1.13: Aaron's Daughter, Mark's Gun, and Magpies ... FlashForward 1.14:  Somalia, LA, Fate Irresistible and Resistible ... FlashForward 1.15: Who's That Lady? ... FlashForward 1.16: Mark's Gun and Demetri's Wedding ... FlashForward 1.17: Mark, Demetri, and Hari Seldon ... FlashForward 1.18: Triple Forks ... FlashForward 1.19: The Stubborn Universe

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1 comment:

TheLooper said...

It appears to be another Jericho, another great series that bit the dust far too soon.

When you look at ratings though and see what the top rated TV shows are in America today, you begin to understand why shows like FlashForward, Jericho, even Fringe and Lost, to some degree, are suffering with the viewership.

I like to call it the "Dumbing Down of America." Reality TV, which is about as real as FlashForward. I understand people like seeing others compete against each other, but it's not all that interesting. Plus, to this day, I feel that American Idol, Survivor and Dancing with the Stars are all rigged anyway. How else can you explain the longevity of someone as bad as Kate Gosselin on that show?

Perhaps they should have made FlashForward interactive so people could vote on whether Demetri dies or not?

Anyway, off my high horse, I've thoroughly enjoyed this show and although it's bidding a fond farewell far too soon, I'll hold out hope, like you suggested Paul, that maybe a movie will follow later. Perhaps that has always been the plan from the start.

Let's face it, this show has some rather impressive talent in it. Most of the main actors and actresses have played primarily in movies for most of their careers. So this could actually be the natural progression of the series to go to film and continue the story there. Maybe even a mini-series from time to time. Honestly, I wouldn't be shocked if it showed up on Sci-Fi Network. I would definitely tune in there.

I know I've talked more about the show ending than what the show was about, but it just pains me to see good television treated in such a way. Survivor is finishing it's 10th year on television. Why? I watched one episode of this series after the Super Bowl back in 2001. That was enough for me. Have never watched American Idol and have only seen some parts of Dancing with the Stars this year, simply because it's the lead in to Lost!

Back to the episode, it was a great one. I love Gabriel. At first I thought his character was a little over the top, but now he's like the Jar Jar Binks of FlashForward. You can't help but laugh every time you see him and he's really cool!

Glad to see Janis has finally come to her senses. Very much anxious to see what happens with Demetri now. But if the show ends with a cliff hanger, ala Jericho, then I do hope it will show back up somewhere.

We don't need this to be another Space Above and Beyond, yet another great show that ended prematurely. V on the other hand, so long, won't miss ya.

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