Debate of the Day: What One Show Would You Resurrect from the Dead? |

May 17 2011

Debate of the Day: What One Show Would You Resurrect from the Dead?

Published by Paul Tassi at 11:00 am under Debate,Television

It’s a simple question really.

Which television show that you’ve loved has fallen to the mighty ratings hammer, and you wish could have just one more chance? The catch here is that you can only choose one. You might want to bring back Undeclared, Arrested Development or Jericho, but you can only pick one.

As you can see above, I’ve made my choice and it’s Joss Whedon’s prematurely executed Firefly. I’ve declared my love for Arrested Development as my #1 show of all time on many an occasion here on the site, so why not that?

I worry with that and other comedies, they have the biggest potential for getting stale, and not ending on the relative high note they did. Arrested concluded its series in a hurry, but it did it well, and by only having two and a half season, never got to go downhill.

I picked Firefly because I believe that the universe that was created in the show had so much potential, and the crew was such a well put-together cast that I’m sure it could have run for seasons with ease. Yes, the eventual film gave the show the ending it was never allowed, but I can’t help but think there’s so much more there.

So, what about you? Which one show would you save?

More Unreal Posts

88 responses so far

88 Responses to “Debate of the Day: What One Show Would You Resurrect from the Dead?”

# Postalon 17 May 2011 at 11:05 am

Deadwood
# Arafaxon 17 May 2011 at 11:08 am

I totally agree with you. Firefly had such a great Potential.
# Guy Incognitoon 17 May 2011 at 11:17 am

Yeah probably Firefly for me as well. Second would be Veronica Mars.
# adamon 17 May 2011 at 11:21 am

Party Down
# Bud the Chudon 17 May 2011 at 11:21 am

Surface – so I finally know what it was all about, what the endgame was.
# Mr Jimon 17 May 2011 at 11:30 am

My Name Is Earl – let it finish with some nice developments for all the characters for them all, but especially Earl, instead of ending on a whimper/cliff-hanger.
# Valon 17 May 2011 at 11:31 am

Veronica Mars, for sure.
# Nutcookieon 17 May 2011 at 11:32 am

kitchen confidential – one of the best comedies ever. Starring bradley cooper. it got cancelled after 13 episodes
# drcypheron 17 May 2011 at 11:34 am

Firefly.
# Joshon 17 May 2011 at 11:38 am

I’ll let you guys bring back Firefly, I want The freaking 4400 brought back.
# Mat Couthonon 17 May 2011 at 11:41 am

Carnivale.
That show was going places, but it was killed off just after 2 out of 6 planned seasons. Bummer
# Jared Ron 17 May 2011 at 11:51 am

Have to say Deadwood, such a great show that never got its much deserved fourth season. Although i wouldnt have minded another season of The Wire.
# Hoptonon 17 May 2011 at 11:51 am

Stargate Universe
# Greg Sotoon 17 May 2011 at 11:53 am

Either Firefly or Dead Like Me.
# Rickon 17 May 2011 at 11:56 am

Firefly…Shiny!!!
# Chris Fon 17 May 2011 at 11:56 am

Deadwood
# Richon 17 May 2011 at 12:08 pm

Another vote for Firefly
# Deafponyon 17 May 2011 at 12:14 pm

Pushing Daisies hands down. Had such great writing and was cancelled during the second season. There was so many loose ends that weren’t tied up, and wish they could’ve done so.
# tabbion 17 May 2011 at 12:14 pm

#1 Firefly
#2 Its like you know…
#3 Stargate Universe (yea season two got so much better)
# Crispyon 17 May 2011 at 12:20 pm

Reboot! I rewatched the series and discovered it has a cliffhanger ending. Childhood ruined.
# Allieon 17 May 2011 at 12:24 pm

Terriers. :’-(
# Lacyon 17 May 2011 at 12:29 pm

Pushing Dasies
# semioson 17 May 2011 at 12:38 pm

Definitely Deadwood.
# DarkPassenger29on 17 May 2011 at 12:39 pm

Carnivale all the way…
# ScatteredRooton 17 May 2011 at 12:42 pm

Surface.
# Dresteron 17 May 2011 at 12:44 pm

Definitely Twin Peaks, what a great show that was.
# YoYoMAsteron 17 May 2011 at 12:45 pm

Dudes… how about Flashforward?
# Andrew Con 17 May 2011 at 1:10 pm

OH GOD YES FIREFLY. That show had so much more story to tell, it’s freaking ridiculous that the moronic Fox executives cancelled it before it really even got started.

And that picture just made me fall in love with Jewel Staite all over again… <3
# ashon 17 May 2011 at 1:16 pm

firefly.
# Bernieon 17 May 2011 at 1:21 pm

Firefly
American Gothic
Harry Dresden
# Havocon 17 May 2011 at 1:24 pm

Firefly, hands down.
# Grimlock_Smashon 17 May 2011 at 1:30 pm

BEASTWARS, OBVIOUSLY.

…but on a serious note, Greg the Bunny and Titus. Damn FOX.
# Suppeson 17 May 2011 at 1:37 pm

Deadwood or Arrested Development
# rompleon 17 May 2011 at 1:38 pm

Firefly, for sure. Amazing cast and equally amazing universe we barely got to see any o.

SGU if I could pick two. Season 2 was great. And I can’t help but side with Rush. I want to see what Destiny’s purpose was! So much left open…

Why does Syfy always cancel their good shows? :-/
# Erinon 17 May 2011 at 2:01 pm

Oh, I’m so happy I’m not the only Veronica Mars voter. I’d have to say Veronica, just because the third season ended so badly and I think she’s a character that could have transitioned into a different type of show really well, such as working with the FBI.

But, much respect to those who said Arrested Development, Firefly, and Party Down.
# Frankon 17 May 2011 at 2:19 pm

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles
# adamon 17 May 2011 at 2:22 pm

arrested development
# Pattyon 17 May 2011 at 2:43 pm

Another vote for Firefly from me. Loved the series and loved the movie.
# Stan Thomason 17 May 2011 at 2:59 pm

I’d throw in for Titus as well…only for Stacey Keach. I think Christopher Titus is hilarious…too bad all that stuff really happens to him.
# Nashon 17 May 2011 at 3:01 pm

The Adventures of Brisco County Jr.

Everyone is still alive (even John Astin.)
# sheffon 17 May 2011 at 3:06 pm

the wire
# SLZYon 17 May 2011 at 3:19 pm

SG:U or B5 for me, Firefly was dull.
# Saraon 17 May 2011 at 3:30 pm

Dark Angel for sure.

It had so much promise and was cancelled for Firefly actually. It was an awesome show that could have gone for several more seasons.
# johnon 17 May 2011 at 3:42 pm

seinfeld
# silly_sad_machineon 17 May 2011 at 4:24 pm

Carnivale. By a long shot.
# johfameron 17 May 2011 at 4:59 pm

freaks and geeks
# Julieon 17 May 2011 at 5:11 pm

Totally would be Dead Like Me. The movie did not do it justice. But Dresden Files would make a great movie.
# DDDon 17 May 2011 at 5:27 pm

Dead Like Me, the movie was ruined because of the non return of Mandy Patinkin and the real Daisy so they’d have to be there for a successful return of the show. Loved that show.
# romarmoon 17 May 2011 at 5:30 pm

Jericho
# elninoon 17 May 2011 at 5:45 pm

Angel…I wish they got that final season instead of being canceled. It ended excellently, but I wish they could have ended when they were planning to, instead of the make shift ending for Season 5.

But that doesn’t count.

So my pick is…

Firefly – As you already stated, had a ton of potential as a television series. But Joss wrapped up everything nicely in the awesome Serenity movie.

But its already stated and an obvious pick.

My pick would be:

Spectacular Spider-man – they only got two seasons, but an awesome two season it was. They adapted the stories in a fun all ages manner and juggled both done in one and serialized storytelling quite well. I’m upset this series cancelled the way it was. Probably my favorite adaptation of spider-man.

Honorable mentions.

Wolverine and the X-men: Another great show with a fantastic storyline that wasn’t really adapted from any specific storyline, they took the characters and went new places with them. The cliffhanger at the end showed they had awesome plans ahead.

Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles – ended prematurely and on a cliffhanger. The seasons had their ups and downs, but the second season was on a tear at the end there.
# Mikeyon 17 May 2011 at 6:05 pm

The Loop (it was on Fox, of course it got cancelled)

Clone High

I want Heroes back, but you know, if it was actually good again
# Georgeon 17 May 2011 at 6:22 pm

Rome or Deadwood.

Firefly also in the mix…but I KNOW an extra season of Rome or Deadwood would have been awesome while Firefly is more of an issue of failed potential.
# Emilioon 17 May 2011 at 6:27 pm

Gotham High. I loved those pictures you posted. Can you somehow post them back?
# Scotton 17 May 2011 at 6:31 pm

The Unit
Arrested Development
My Name is Earl

The list could go on and on…
# donpureevilon 17 May 2011 at 6:56 pm

brisco county jr.
bruce campbell in a sci-fi western series – genius!
# KingCrimsonon 17 May 2011 at 7:08 pm

It’s not much of a question for me at all: Firefly. Tons of potential wasted because of Fox. Goddamn Fox.
# Phoenixon 17 May 2011 at 7:22 pm

Firefly without hesitation.
# Exyleon 17 May 2011 at 7:37 pm

Jericho, Arrested Develpoment, Dead like me, agh!! too many choices!!!
# batmanon 17 May 2011 at 8:09 pm

buffy and angel
# The Longshoton 17 May 2011 at 9:11 pm

Of course I agree with Paul, Firefly needs to be resurrected… but I seriously felt like Dead Like Me didn’t get the ending it deserved either. There was so much potential in that show.
# Lissaon 17 May 2011 at 10:59 pm

Veronica Mars. No question.
# RobGon 17 May 2011 at 11:03 pm

Terriers, arrested development, virtuality (only the pilot aired), rubicon, reaper… So many fallen heroes
# venom_2k2on 17 May 2011 at 11:14 pm

For me it would be “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles” and then after that “Firefly”
# chelseaon 17 May 2011 at 11:22 pm

i am shocked and dismayed that no one else has mentioned the one show that came to my mind first:

THE BLACK DONNELLYS

seriously, one of the best seasons of any show and it got the axe. NBC is the worst (just like with Southland).
# alon 18 May 2011 at 12:51 am

Freaks and Geeks
# Bynxon 18 May 2011 at 5:28 am

Firefly & The Adventures of Brisco County Jr.

I would say Red Dwarf, but that’s already coming back.
# Jebon 18 May 2011 at 8:26 am

I would agree with a few already posted, Firefly, My name is Earl, Freaks and Geeks, and a few others. American Gothic was decent for what it was, but a little before it’s time. If it had came out 4 years later, it would of had a better chance of survival. I my choice would be Undeclared. It really had so much potential.
# novaon 18 May 2011 at 9:14 am

better off ted anyone?
# piperjedion 18 May 2011 at 9:23 am

stargate atlantis – cause it was great and the storyline could’ve blossomed literally into anything they wanted it to be (its sci-fi)

firefly – cause.. well read all the comments above

legend of the seeker – cause it has a uniqueness to it, above par acting, great visuals, but just didn’t have enough time to really develop into greatness
# Balleron 18 May 2011 at 9:56 am

I have to say Reaper, I loved every moment of that show.
# Bud the Chudon 18 May 2011 at 11:01 am

Wow, forgot about brisco, dresden, stargate and a few others. Lets just pool our money together and bring them back.
# Miss Cellaniaon 18 May 2011 at 12:38 pm

M*A*S*H, Quincy ME, and St. Elsewhere. I doubt any of those are possible. They don’t make TV the way they used to.
# chandamyayaon 18 May 2011 at 2:24 pm

ROAR

A great show that only aired for a summer — starring young Heath Ledger. It took place in 400 AD britain during the Roman occupation and was a welcome change from Xena and Hercules because it was actually serious. Check it out! An awesome show, over way, way, way too soon.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roar_(TV_series)

Oh, and of course, Firefly!
# wizardfaceon 18 May 2011 at 4:18 pm

Drive
the loop
better off ted
firefly
# Yautjaon 18 May 2011 at 6:12 pm

@Nash

Sorry to burst your bubble, friend, but Julius Carry (Lord Bowler) passed away in 2008. I still want a Brisco reunion…all Campbell’s doing is pissing away his middle-age making “Burn Notice”.
# Rubyon 18 May 2011 at 9:25 pm

Arrested Development hands down.

Or Better Off Ted.
# Berton 18 May 2011 at 10:38 pm

Well, coming from one of the biggest AD fans around – I’d have to say I wouldn’t want it back. It finished where it needed to, like you said. It got its three seasons, and it feels complete.

Deadwood felt a little less unfinished, but we still got three seasons of Olyphant swagger and Ian McShane outacting everyone on TV. I still maintain that Swearengen is one of the single best characters TV has ever had – the evolution of Al over the three seasons from villain to anti-hero is epic.

But based on the series alone (I haven’t had a chance to watch the film or read the graphic novels yet), Firefly has got to be my pick. I never expected to even like the show, but it hooked me so fast and so hard that it pained me to watch the last episode on Netflix knowing that there was no more. The last episode just seemed so…tantalizing. Joss had more stories to tell, and I know he wanted more than two hours and a couple comic books to wrap it up. It should have got three seasons as well.

What was the deal with Book anyway? That one’s going to eat at me for a long time.
# Charlieon 19 May 2011 at 1:54 am

Titus. I will never forgive FOX for what they did to my sweet, sweet Titus.
# Aproposofnothingon 19 May 2011 at 8:36 am

Keen Eddie
The Adventures of Brisco County Jr.
Firefly

If you don’t know Keen Eddie, here’s a couple of clips. http://aproposofnothing.wordpress.com/2007/10/25/great-comedy-keen-eddie/
# bud the chudon 19 May 2011 at 10:06 am

I forgot all about keen eddie, that was a great show, and then the actor gets screwed over again with Human Target, but that was more of the writers fault when they added the new characters and changed the show too much.
# emilythestrangeon 19 May 2011 at 4:57 pm

Max Headroom……………………………..ok that’s to damn far back. I totally agree on Firefly.
# Roberto H.on 02 Jun 2011 at 1:09 am

Brimstone. Fuck you all. Firefly had the fuckin movie. Brimstone had nothing like that and it was better. Where the fuck is Pete Horton now and he was so good in this. In fact picture this, that guy who played Lex Luthor’s father in Smallville, that guy, PLAYING THE FUCKING DEVIL.
And all those guys who said reaper, I really liked it but FUCK YOU. It just was not as good as the real thing.
And the theme song was cool.
I am very sorry for the trolling I just commited but this is something I feel really strongly about and if you just watch some Brimstone I believe you will understand me even if you disagree with me.
# Leonatoon 21 Jun 2011 at 4:34 pm

The Tick.
# Jonnie Darkoon 25 Jun 2011 at 12:26 am

Better off Ted – one of the best shows, such potential, and fresh, and talented cast.
# PEloon 19 Jul 2011 at 7:20 pm

Charlie Jade
# Jonnie Darkoon 18 Sep 2011 at 10:38 pm

Okay I said better off Ted, but I had not yet seen firefly in all of it’s glory, changing my vote to firefly.
# Jeffon 15 Aug 2012 at 8:35 pm

John from Cincinnati – Way better than HBO ever dreamed up, and the freaking cancelled it after one damn season

Deadwood – Same guy that did John, made the writing and dialogue so awesome

Pushing Daises and Eli Stone – Fuck ABC. They’re as bad as NBC and Fox for they way they treat well written and acted shows.

Brisco County Jr. – that would be a hell of a re-launch. Bruce just gets better with age

And, as a throw away, I don’t give a shit – AUTOMAN – with today’s CGI, that would be a reboot to watch.
# Jeffon 15 Aug 2012 at 8:36 pm

They freaking cancelled it. Forgot the y.