The first rule of serialized dramas: Finish the Story

Serialized dramas show the potential of TV to be the best medium for story telling. There is adequate time for complex plot development. There is adequate time for character development -- without relying on archetypes and stereotypes, as movies are forced to do, because of time constraints. The complex plot sets serialized dramas apart from episodic dramas. A serial drama can be as complex as a thick book, or even a trilogy; whereas an episodic drama is more comparable to a short story.

However, when these serialized dramas end before their time, they are a huge let down. For instance, Carnivàle ended with a cliff-hanger after two seasons. If it had been given another season, at least the story could have been finished (even if rushed). Jericho, The Event, Kidnapped, V, and Flash Forward were among other serialized dramas that were pulled from the air, before the story ended.

Producers owe it to their views to finish the story. Otherwise, we will be reluctant to commit to a serialized drams -- no matter how promising the program. Even if they can see the program is losing audience; they should finish the story. Finishing the story might mean moving things along at a faster clip -- but, even half a season is more than 2 or 3 movies worth of story-telling time. Even if the producers don't give a wit about their viewers; they should finish the story -- for the sake of DVD gift set sales, if nothing else.