Did Star Trek: The Original Series Have a Season Finale? Why Not?
When it comes to the serialized nature of TV series, it's easy to assume that every season has a definitive ending. However, in 1968-1969, when Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS) aired, things were different. The concept of a season-ending cliffhanger didn't really take hold until much later, around a decade later when significant developments in TV storytelling occurred.
The Evolution of Season Endings
One notable event that changed the landscape of primetime television was the iconic season finale of Dallas in March 1980, which featured the famous line, “Who shot JR?” This event—along with others—marked a shift towards the use of cliffhangers as a storytelling device to keep audiences engaged.
Arguably, TV series today are finely tuned to grab and maintain viewers through well-crafted season finales. For example, when Mad Men concluded in 2007, it did so with one of the most memorable cliffhangers of the decade. Such endings left fans eagerly awaiting the next season, even if it was years into the future.
Star Trek TOS and Its Timeframe
As for Star Trek: The Original Series, the show was a product of its time. When the fourth season of TOS ended in 1969, it was already evident that the show was cancelled. The ability to plan for such endings, let alone produce a season finale, was not as developed as it is today. TV series were generally produced on a script-by-script basis, with budgets and story arcs structured around individual episodes.
With the knowledge that the show was already cancelled with no prospect of continuing, the showrunners were left with limited resources and a straightforward goal: complete the season with whatever they had. This resulted in the production of the final episode, “Turnabout Intruder,” which, despite being a pivotal moment in the series, was designed simply to wrap up the ongoing storylines without leaving any cliffhanger.
Why "Turnabout Intruder” Was an Adequate Finale
“Turnabout Intruder” served as the final episode of Star Trek: The Original Series. Rather than a dramatic ending designed to keep viewers hanging, this episode provided a satisfying conclusion. In the context of the 1960s, this approach was entirely appropriate and consistent with the narrative style of the show. The episode further cemented the show's legacy as a well-crafted and engaging space opera, providing a fitting finale for the series.
The Premise of No Season Finale
Without the luxury of planning for a season-end cliffhanger, the production team of Star Trek: The Original Series had to come up with a way to complete the season. This decision was influenced by the overall budget constraints and the imminent cancellation of the show. As a result, the final episode brought together the various storylines from the season in a manner that satisfied the audience, albeit without the dramatic cliffhanger that has become a staple of modern TV series.
Conclusion
While today's TV series are built to keep viewers hooked with intricate season finales, Star Trek: The Original Series was a product of a different era. The lack of a season finale was a testament to the constraints of the time and the production environment. This approach, while perhaps not as dramatic, was appropriate for the show and it managed to leave a lasting impression on viewers.
Keywords: Star Trek TOS, Season Finale, Cliffhanger, TV Series, Scheduled TV