The Red-faced Episodes: How Excusable Are the Worst TV Show Episodes?
Every dedicated television enthusiast has a favorite show. These series often rewatch certain episodes that we cherish for their outstanding performances, captivating storylines, and allegorical messages. However, there are also episodes that stand out from the rest due to their egregious faults, often derailing a once-beloved television series. This article explores why some episodes become synonymous with disappointment and whether their poor qualities can ever be excused.
Star Trek: A Legacy of Both Triumph and Tragedy
Star Trek, a television show that has captured the imagination of generations, is lauded for its groundbreaking storytelling and innovative concepts that pushed the boundaries of television science fiction. Countless episodes have been celebrated for their rich plotlines, impressive acting, and profound thematic depth. However, when even the most cherished series has to grapple with its darkest moment, nothing can quite prepare us for the shock it delivers.
Spock’s Brain, the seventh season, third episode of Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS), is often cited as one of the series' worst episodes despite (or because of) its attempt to reboot the show. Originally written by the showrunner, Gene Coon, one of the playwrights behind some of the more iconic episodes, Spock's Brain is emblematic of a colossal failure in both writing and execution.
The episode is notorious for its poorly conceived plot, hastily written dialogues, and the terrible acting it inspired from the cast. With a convoluted storyline that fails to live up to the standards established in other TOS episodes, this installment stands out as a stark reminder of what not to do in television writing. It is a clear example of how even a beloved series can deliver an episode that falls so drastically short of expectations.
The Folly of Backdoor Pilots
A backdoor pilot, or as the industry more formally likes to call it, a "television show that masquerades as a movie to fit into the larger framework of an established franchise," is an intriguing concept. These episodes serve as a bridge between the old and new formats, allowing fans to ease into a new approach or to introduce a new character or concept without the need for a full/back-show. However, often, these episodes can be a mixed bag, with some being successful in setting up future story arcs while others fall flat.
WandaVision: A Case of Excessive Pacing
One such episode that stands as a beacon of backdoor pilot failure is the first episode of emWandaVision./em In retrospect, it’s clear that the showrunners could have combined the first two or three episodes into a single hour, as the pacing and storytelling felt disjointed. Compared to other episodes of the series, it’s difficult to see the episode as more than a failed playground for fans who were already invested in the series. While emWandaVision/em ultimately turned out to be a fan-favorite, its first episode was widely criticized for its sluggish start and convoluted storylines.
For many fans, especially my dad, the first episode of emWandaVision/em is the nadir of the series. It has become a point of contention, with many watching the first episode and then jumping directly to the middle of the series. While some elements were cleverly foreshadowing future plot points, the rushed nature of the first episode made it a difficult watch for those looking for a smooth onboarding experience.
Excusing the Unexcusable
When an episode fails so spectacularly, it raises the question of whether it can ever be salvaged. Whether it's due to poor writing, rushed production, or a combination of factors, the fact remains that an episode can ruin the experience of an entire series. For true fans, the lasting impact of poor quality episodes can be damaging, often leading to a complete disdain for the show in its entirety.
However, the case of Spock's Brain highlights another side of this issue. Although the episode is iconic for its failures, it does serve as a valuable lesson to aspiring writers and producers. The episode can be looked back upon as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the importance of rigorous script reviews and thorough storytelling. Furthermore, the episode’s infamy has turned it into a cult classic for some, where its poor qualities have only made it more interesting and endearing to a select audience.
Ultimately, while excusing poor quality episodes can be subjective and often futile, the most critical aspect is to recognize when an episode is truly exceptional and when it falls well short. For Star Trek fans, Spock's Brain showcases the risks and potential repercussions of poorly crafted storytelling, emphasizing the importance of quality in television production.