Last night i watched the season finale of Smallvile Season 5. The previous night i had finished watching the final episodes of Prison break....a pattern started to formulate.
I remember shows like Buffy or Angel where the season finale was geared up to be the climax of the season, that the saving of the world, the beating of the big bad was being built up for the majority of the season. This was the climax of the season. Throughout the season an apprehension about the fate of the 'good guys' was being built. After the finale you were satisfied, you could go on with your life happy, quietly waiting to see next year's new instalments of you're favourite characters.
Today's shows seem to have drifted away from this idea of closure. Season finales tend now to be cliff-hangers (In some cases you wouldn't even notice the end / start of seasons if it wasn't for the break during the Summer). I think this idea was conjured up by the tv companies. That the multi-million earning companies fear the loss of viewers interests throughout the summer and are trying to "black mail" you to come back in the Autumn/Fall for the next season.
I think that this (while it can be benificial for some shows storylines) can create a season finale anti climax. You're waiting at the edge of your seat for the conclusion that never happens.
I think a good show, with good writers and good storylines doesn't need to black mail it audience to come back and i blame the tv companies for putting that sort of pressure onto the producers.
Now enough of my rant, for all i know i might be in the minority. Its time to find out which you prefer:
The Conclusion or the Cliff-Hanger