By: JORDAN RAE LUCAS
Columnist
@JordanRae017
Last October, Showtime announced plans to reboot cult classic television series “Twin Peaks.” In January, Fox announced plans to reboot another cult classic with “The X-Files.” Both of these shows have massive followings and are sure to be ratings success stories for the networks involved. In short, it makes sense to bring them back.
Especially “Twin Peaks,” which was cancelled after just 30 episodes of its original run back in 1991. The cancellation of the bizarre, mystery serial left its audience with more questions than answers. In the 24 intervening years, the shows fan base has only grown, and they are clamoring for resolution.
Six months after the show’s official resurrection, that resolution seems to be in jeopardy. Acclaimed director and series creator David Lynch announced via Twitter on April 5 that he is leaving the production. Showtime still intends to continue with the reboot, but the cast has other ideas, releasing a video statement that the show is nothing without Lynch.
So far, none of the other key players have left the project, but it’s early. It remains to be seen if the fans will ever get their answers without the original show runner.
In the meantime, other networks are gaining momentum with less worthy reboots. NBC is in talks with Craig T. Nelson to return to his starring role in a “Coach” sequel series. While the comedy was popular, no one was begging for its return.
Even more baffling and less necessary is the John Stamos-produced “Full House” reboot being considered by Netflix. The original series overstayed its welcome and jumped all manner of sea creature in its eight-season run. There is an entire blog – “Full House Reviewed” – dedicated to how terrible the original series was.
And yet Netflix is on the verge of buying 13 episodes of “Fuller House,” about the antics of grown-up DJ Tanner and best friend Kimmy Gibbler. No one knows why.
It’s worth asking why ANY of these shows are being revived. Critics have been saying for years that Hollywood has run out of ideas. They could be part of the problem, but there have to be better ideas up for grabs. With all of human history a Google search away, I’m sure there are historical dramas waiting to be written.
If writing a fictionalized account of historical events is too much creative effort for the network bigwigs, there are plenty of novels that haven’t been adapted for the screen. I could be wrong. Maybe they really do need to resort to recycling their own ideas. In any case, I’d really like it to stop.
