Ask Matt: A ‘Modern’ Ending, Rerun Woes, Serializing ‘Trek,’ Darkness of ‘Sabrina’ and More
Welcome to the Q&A with TV critic (also known to some TV fans as their “TV therapist”) Matt Roush, who’ll try to address whatever you love, loathe, are confused or frustrated or thrilled by in today’s vast TV landscape. One caution: This is a spoiler-free zone, so we won’t be addressing upcoming storylines here unless it’s already common knowledge. Please send your questions and comments to [email protected] (or use the form at the end of the column) and follow me on Twitter. Look for Ask Matt columns on most Tuesdays and Fridays.
A Meta Modern Ending?
Question: I suppose it’s way too early to speculate on how ABC will be concluding its veteran Modern Family next year, but I can’t help but wonder: How will they end it? Here’s what I would like to see. We finally get a look at the crew who have been filming the family all these years (those cutaways when they’re sitting on the couch talking to an unseen person) and in the final shot, the director comes into camera range, looks at his co-workers and shrugs, “Yeah, there’s not enough there to use for anything. Let’s just forget the whole thing.” And fade to black. It will never happen, of course, but I hope whatever they decide, this stalwart (albeit a bit worn-out) Emmy winner gets the same kind of hype that surrounds The Big Bang Theory. — Aaron F.
Matt Roush: That’s kind of brilliant — and made me laugh in a way I haven’t at this show in a while. I’m sure the industry and the media at large will make a fuss over Modern Family when it ends next year, but somehow its impending departure feels to me a bit less end-of-an-era than The Big Bang Theory, which made a bigger and more sustained splash — as multi-camera comedies tend to do — in the syndication and cable marketplace. (Modern Family famously underperformed in the USA.) Neither comedy has been best-of-year quality for me for some time — and Modern Family was top of the list the year it premiered — and that’s only natural. But as discussed in an earlier column, Modern in particular has been trapped by its formula to hit so many of the same beats for so long, especially with the “mockumentary” gimmick, that it really would be cool for that aspect to be the ultimate joke when the show signs off.
Frustrated with Spring Repeats
Question: What’s going on with The Big Bang Theory and The Flash? The Flash had reruns on for two weeks DURING A SWEEPS MONTH and after only a handful of episodes after that, is doing reruns again for too many weeks? The Big Bang Theory has been barely on this year. They also skimped on episodes during sweeps, ran a repeat just before it was preempted for basketball for two weeks, and they’re only doing one new episode before doing reruns again?! Why? Fans deserve better. And could you please tell the networks that I NEVER, EVER, EVER WANT TO SEE RERUNS ON A SWEEPS MONTH AGAIN? — Shamus
Matt Roush: Point taken. But as we’ve discussed before in this space, sweeps months obviously aren’t of as critical importance to the networks anymore in this era of time-shifted and OTT viewing on other platforms (especially in the case of shows on the younger-skewing CW). The rerun complaint is especially prevalent this time of year, when repeats dot the schedule more frequently as the networks stretch out the traditional season to the May finales.
While this is an understandable frustration, I’ll take issue with Big Bang being “barely on” since the holiday hiatus. The show aired originals four out of five Thursdays in January, took low-viewership Valentine’s Day off as many shows do, and while it has been sporadic since then, also accounting for the two-week break for NCAA basketball during March Madness, after this week’s repeat it will be all new to the very end on May 16 (with a one-hour finale seemingly counting for two episodes, which may be why this week’s isn’t new). I won’t pretend to understand The CW’s scheduling, except to suggest that airing new episodes in blocks — five in a row in January-February, three in March leading to the current three-week hiatus, with the final five episodes of the season picking up next week — may make more sense than one week on, one week off. The other alternative would be to run a show straight through without repeats, which would mean that The Flash’s current season would already be over.
In Space, To Serialize Or Not?
Question: I’m probably old fashioned, but the reason Star Trek: Discovery, and indeed most of the current crop of sci-fi genre shows, with the happy exception of The Orville, is disappointing to me is probably the very reason younger viewers are attracted: way too much “backstory” to Every Single Character, and way too much interconnecting of each episode to make a season-long “arc.” The original Star Trek was a new planet, a new adventure or a new morality play every week. When a major character’s past was revealed, it provided a fresh and interesting perspective on the character: Spock’s mating rituals in one or his distant relationship with his father in another. But to my recollection, The Menagerie (Spock’s trial for kidnapping Pike) was the only example of dramatic continuity between episodes, where the actions or events of one episode was reflected in the events of a subsequent one. (The character of Harry Mudd in two episodes could be argued as an example, but a thin one.) Even if a character had a major event — Spock’s pon farr or the death of Edith Keeler for Kirk — it didn’t affect their action or feelings in the next episode. Did we miss anything by not seeing Kirk grieving over Edith for the next several episodes, or drinking himself into a stupor with Andorian Ale?
Star Trek: The Next Generation, Voyager and Deep Space Nine added some dramatic episodic continuity, with DS9 having the most, but it never got intrusive the way it is with Discovery, where what we get is too much character introspection and personal drama. The Orville, in contrast, while I don’t care for the immature sexual and scatological innuendo, has had more self-contained episodes, and I look forward to each episode, while with Discovery, the endless search for the “Red Angel” and all that has gotten tedious. — Tom
Matt Roush: It’s an interesting point to debate the pleasures of a more procedural (self-contained) sci-fi show over one with more densely serialized storytelling. I tend to favor the latter myself, with my favorite examples being Syfy’s Battlestar Galactica reboot and Farscape, but I get the appeal of the former from a purely escapist point of view. Although I can’t really applaud any dramatic series that would willfully ignore game-changing life events just so we can jump to the next adventure the following week. That type of “old-fashioned” TV narrative has, thankfully, mostly disappeared. Even in procedurals. (And just for the record, I’m mostly enjoying Discovery’s “Red Angel” storyline, especially as it helps flesh out the relationship between Michael and Spock.)
Some Thoughts (None Good) on Abby’s
Question: I watched Abby’s mainly because I saw that Neil Flynn was in it. I was an avid The Middle fan (and still watch reruns of it). I wasn’t really impressed with Abby’s. It just didn’t seem to have a good flow to it and the jokes seemed forced. Not sure I will watch again. What’s your take on this new show? — Unsigned
Question: Abby’s seems to be a pale imitation of Cheers. An outside bar? Doesn’t it ever rain there? — Bob
Question: One thing that turned me off of Abby’s right away was the way they had people who were dressed a certain way (“fancy”) not allowed a seat or whatever. You had Cheers, where the character of Diane who was pretty prim and proper was embraced by the gang despite her snooty attitude, which was like embracing the audience into this world. Abby’s alienating customers is like alienating its audience. Why would a new show start off the series doing that? — Robin
Matt Roush: I promise if someone had sent in positive feedback on NBC’s new midseason comedy, I’d have shared it. But much like my own reaction — which can be boiled down to, “at least the air is fresh, if the content isn’t” — this pretty much defines “meh,” despite some of the talent on and behind screen. The outdoor gimmick isn’t enough to get past the underdeveloped characters and the overall blandness.
Regarding rain, the show is filmed in mostly dry Southern California — on the Universal Studios lot in the backyard of what was Nicolette Sheridan‘s house on Desperate Housewives — and it was reported the first season was filmed without a rainout or having to move inside to a replica set. And what can I say about the attitude at Abby’s? It sure doesn’t feel welcoming — or funny — to me.
Let in Some Light!
Question: I’m really liking The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, but I feel like it and Riverdale are making the same mistake. EVERYTHING is dark, whereas a similar show, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, seemed to make a very distinct difference between “normal” high school being very bright, and then the Supernatural being dark, at least in the early seasons. Sabrina is especially guilty of this. Why is her mortal life, school and friends just as dark and dreary? It would be a much more powerful contrast if her mortal life was bright compared to her witch life. — Cfolliot
Matt Roush: This is an interesting variation on the question I often get about “why are TV shows so dark?” — which usually refers only to the murky photography. In this case, I think you’re on to something thematically. I find myself growing so weary of shows indulging their dark and dreary “edginess” — I could barely make it through an episode of Syfy’s Deadly Class — and your comparison to Buffy is a good one. While there’s much to appreciate in the new Sabrina, your comment reminds me how even at its darkest, for the most part there was a lightness of spirit to Buffy that made it a more enjoyable experience.
More Life for After Life
Question: I just wanted to give praise to After Life on Netflix. What a wonderful show about a topic as hard as grief. It made me laugh and cry, frequently at the same time. The writing and casting are impeccable. I just heard it was renewed for Season 2, and I just hope they can make it as wonderful as it was in Season 1. — Unsigned
Matt Roush: I had much the same reaction to this terrific tragicomedy. Initially worried because the maudlin tone of Ricky Gervais‘ previous series for Netflix, Derek, had been such a turnoff, After Life turned out to be a pleasant, and very emotional, surprise. I’m hopeful it will be as enjoyable the second time around, although the character arc of Ricky’s character, Tony, through the first season felt satisfyingly complete. Still, I know I’d watch another short season.
Gone for Good?
Question: Gone is a great series on WGN America! I read somewhere that it was a “limited series.” Does this mean it is a limited series like I Am the Night or Big Little Lies, or because WGN has a bad habit of axing their good programming? I would love to see this show continue! — Unsigned
Matt Roush: Here’s the thing about WGNA programming. None of it is original to the channel anymore. The shows now airing on WGNA are all acquisitions, and in the case of Gone, it’s a show that first began airing in late 2017 in international markets and only now found its way to an American outlet. Only one season of 12 episodes has been filmed, and since this much time has passed, it’s hard to imagine more being made. (Although you never know.) This isn’t WGN’s call. They bought the show as is, and if more were to come, they might buy that, too. But I wouldn’t count on it. As for the “limited series” label, maybe that’s to manage expectations. Though there are connected storylines through the season, it doesn’t seem like there’s as much of a beginning-to-end arc as actual miniseries like Night or Lies.
That’s all for now. Thanks as always for reading, and remember that I can’t do this without your participation, so please keep sending questions and comments about TV to [email protected] or shoot me a line on Twitter (@TVGMMattRoush), and you can also submit questions via the handy form below. Please include a first name with your question.
Conversation28 Comments
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I enjoyed the Abby's pilot but didn't laugh once. I almost did though when the customer's leg caught on fire exactly when the landlord was discussing insurance.
The second episode improved upon the pilot , I giggled a few times. I'm going to continue watching and hopefully it gets better. Some comedies take time.
It's not like I have that many new funny sitcoms this season. Veteran Last Man Standing is still my favorite.
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Yeah, Last Man is the other only comedy that's on besides Cool Kids that makes me really laugh since The Middle went off. Not a lot of sitcoms single or multi cam that are on the air now make me laugh out.
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The Middle was very consistent. Very rarely was there an episode that didn't make me laugh at least once or twice. Most episodes got me giggling multiple times per ep.
Cool Kids is enjoyable to watch. But of course doesn't come close to the classic Golden Girls (similar vibes though).
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Oh, yeah The Golden Girls is not a show that can be truly replicated though many, many, MANY shows have tried to. There was a magic in the chemistry between the ladies that always worked so well and I knew that even though I was a kid at my grandma's house when I discovered it
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I was in my late teens /early 20s when Golden Girls had me laughing out loud almost EVERY episode. The spin-off Empty Next was also quite good, but of course not as funny, not many sitcoms were as funny then or now.
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Very true. That's what makes classics, classics I guess. The great shows have something special about them and if we're lucky you get a lot of classics being made at the same time like the 70s, 80s, 90s. Now imo we get very little classics, everything else is trendy that imo won't hold up later
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So true.
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i agree fred, it's a real"strain"to actually laugh@this show. i chuckle under my breath sometimes but overall...."abby's" is not really funny. fire the writers & get some veteran comedy writers in their place if you want this one to survive! it's a shame tho cause the premise is pretty good overall. maybe delve into the personal lives a bit & change of scenery might help this one survive???
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I 100% agree with your entire post. The cast is not to blame. They doing everything they can with the material they are given.
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So if what I am reading is true, Abby's is pretty bad and not worth my time. It is on at 9:30 p.m. I believe in my part of the country. I actually forgot it was premiering and did not catch it. In the photos that were released Neil Flynn looked like he was dressed as Mike Heck. I even read that he got to keep Mike Heck's flannel shirts once The Middle ended last year. I am still holding out hope for the Eden Sher Sue Heck spinoff being picked up by another network because ABC clearly made a mistake turning it down so they can put Schooled on. I watch The Middle reruns and still laugh, every single time. They had great stories and the cast dynamic was just wonderful. Hey, I guess I can always hope for a revival at some point. The flash forwards had me wondering what the Heck happened next.
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Eden Sher is a truly talented comedienne and actress and deserved emmys for her portrayal as Sue. The Middle was a great show and I too enjoy the reruns, it's probably the closest I've ever seen of my actual family on television lol. I think The Middle may just be the one modern timeless classic that's come out of this era and I feel it will hold up for twenty, thirty or I Love Lucy years. Patricia Heaton must be lady luck herself because she's been blessed to not have one mega hit, iconic and classic comedy but TWO which is a pretty exclusive club
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Yeah, Modern Family has run its course a longggg time ago. Talk about running your course, how the hell is The Simpsons still on? I feel like this is the major problem with hit tv shows they run it to the ground instead of ending when the show's still at its peak creatively. It's why I have such respect for shows like Barney Miller, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Everybody Loves Raymond and recently The Middle for ending the shows on their own terms while still being consistently funny as well as creatively and ratings wise successful. Hell, Seinfeld and The Andy Griffith Show went off the air and they were literally the number 1 shows on television at their times. It's rare for tv shows to actually have integrity lol
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I am one of the people out there that does NOT like Modern Family and will be glad that it is off the TV. To me the few times I have seen it only made me mad. The husband is a spineless wimp, the wife is a topical dumb blonde but is suppose to be smarter than everyone else, the kids are disrespectful brats and the kids of today follow their example. The rest of the show is just sad that they make fun of the other members of the family but it just was a disgrace. Do you think it will go past this final show and be more and more on USA network than it is right now? Sorry if I have offended anyone but the show is a disgrace.
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Locate "TV Remote Control" => Press "Change Channel" Button => Problem SOLVED!!!
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I promise you, the "kids of today" are NOT following the "example" set by the kids in Modern Family. I don't know what you're talking about, but I can safely say that for generations, adults have been clucking their tongues and saying "kids on TV are so sassy and misbehaved." Did you ever watch the original Roseanne? Those kids sassed and misbehaved on a regular basis.
I assume the 2nd half of your comment is asking whether the show will continue in syndication, and again, I can promise you that it WILL. It's already on numerous times a week in syndication,and will be more so in years to come. Like Big Bang Theory or other sitcoms, Modern Family will likely appear on numerous networks or local syndication channels. I suggest you take Gerrymic's advice and solve your problem with your remote.
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Remember the kids from FOX's Married with Children?!
Very funny show (at the time , for me anyway)
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As a teen of the '80s, I thought Kelly Bundy was gorgeous!
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Same!
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Guess you’re not allowed to say you don’t like a show because the snappy response seems to be the obvious and not-at-all clever “change the channel.” Clearly you know you can watch something else, but the annoyance of a hated show taking up airspace is a valid point. When that show ends, the replacement might be something you like. That’s the exact reason why I would love to see certain shows end—because I don’t like them and hope a preferred new show takes its place. Nothing wrong with that. I really only object to the “Why is this programming on?” comments when they’re unreasonable, like the whiner who said that Celebrity Big Brother had taken over CBS and shouldn’t even exist. It was on for only a few weeks as Olympics counterprogramming, and the usual shows don’t have enough new episodes to air one every week anyway.
I also agree that Modern Family is not enjoyable. I dislike the writing and the painfully stiff format. I’ve given it multiple chances by sitting through entire boring episodes without laughing once. Great cast, dull show, IMO.
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Gone is running weekly right now in England on one of their OTA channels that shows mostly American crime shows..
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Not related to this discussion, but I just wanted to say that last night's NCIS was pretty ridiculous. (SPOILERS AHEAD) I thought the Crime of the Week was good, but all the personal stuff with the various agents was STUPID. Bishop carrying around a dead plant?? Jack and her "secret"... which to me came from out of left field, and was just meant as a shock-value plot device. And then there's Torres, who supposedly goes all Rambo about mass shooting situations. I think they just needed to give Valderama a "serious" story line for a change, so they let him unleash his deadly-serious look. And finally there's Gibbs and his precious "rules." All of it was totally stupid and irrelevant. Get back to solving crimes and leave the psychological stuff to Doctor Phil.
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Classic Trek ran in the late 60s. No show had any real arcs. Even "The Fugitive" had mainly stand-alone episodes. Lots of fan fiction was written to fill in "missing scenes". Repercussions after such emotional stories as Edith Keeler's death.
Times changed. Tv changed. Viewers today are used to seeing and wanting more character development.
The downside is that if you miss an episode, you can get lost, and can more easily give up on a show that you don't love.
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"I Love Lucy" is perhaps the first show to have an "arc" with both the pregnancy storyline and the Hollywood ones being good examples. So anyone stumbling into those arcs might not have known about the Ricardos initial childless marriage or that they lived in a New York apartment originally. Still, that last sentence is more true now than then...
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That was the nature of tv back then. Without DVR's or even VCR's, you had to be home at that specific time to watch your show. If your show was serialized and you missed an episode, you would be lost if you tried watching the next episode.
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Remember summer r e runs, though?
There are multiple shows that I started watching on reruns that I ended up loving.
Remington Steele and Quantum Leap a couple.
Can't do that today.
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I really, really wanted to like Abby's. First of all, it has the same name as my dog, and second, Neil Flynn, who was so great in The Middle. I never watched Cheers, so I am not comparing it to that show. I just found pretty much absolutely funny about it. I didn't laugh even once. The comedy is truly lame.
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I definitely suggest you check out Cheers. It's on Netflix or Hallmark channel 🙂 and yeah, maybe it could get better who knows, I mean look at classics like Seinfeld or Family Ties, Night Court etc that took time to find themselves. But the difference is these days they don't give shows the time like they used to if they don't got the ratings to back them up so they need to improve quickly
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I think my view on shows like this may be tainted by the fact that my ex husband was an alcoholic who spent more time sitting on bar stools than he did with his children. Cheers was on about the time he was doing that. Probably still doing that, but I'm not married to him anymore, and his kids have zero relationship with him. Sad.
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