So, I finished the Sex in the City “Spinoff” And Just like That. At least I think I did. Not to give it away, it ends with the idea that there could be a next chapter–for everyone. This doesn’t mean there is any real sense of closure save for this present chapter in their lives is over in a sense and they are all going to move forward into the next adventure. I suppose that is the way it is supposed to work in a series. Leave the fans to wonder what happens next. I still wonder what happens next for the Gilmore Girls. That last bit was beautiful and sad and fulfilling… or I was buzzed and emotional when I watched it… or both.
But I buried the point back there. Or didn’t say it at all. There are a ton of shows trying to tell the next chapter. The idea of ‘limited series’ is a rarity. People are trying to develop franchises because a franchise can demand higher (and long lasting) add revenue. This, to me, argues that they are trying to do the soap opera method and not telling a close-ended story. Can you do both? Apparently only with a reboot, spinoff, or prequel in play. See ‘Grownish’ for example of the spinoff. The upcoming reboot of Babylon 5 argues that reboots can bring solid revenue should one build that cult base during the first go round.
All of this is to say that a lot of stuff is being made right now that isn’t new or some new take on the old but a way to build revenue and make money and I am not sure that is a good thing.