Movies

5 TV Retcons That Ruined Their Shows You Won’t Believe!

BBG News

Major alterations made to TV series narratives or characters, known as retcons, can be quite frustrating, particularly when they weaken the overall show. Retrospective continuity changes in movies and television often determine whether a story thrives or falters. Unforeseen modifications to a show’s established lore or character history may elicit varying responses from viewers. Some inconsistent TV shows frequently retcon themselves, leaving audiences feeling exhausted by their attempts to discern what remains consistent and what has been changed.

While some revisions (retcons) in a TV show can be beneficial, particularly when they abandon unpopular storylines, thus maintaining viewer interest. Yet, there are instances where revisions are unwarranted and can lead to problems that shows may struggle to recover from. This includes unexpected character deaths or significant alterations to the series’ lore. It would have been prudent for these shows to consider the potential consequences of these revisions before implementing them.

5. The Timeless Child

Doctor Who

As a devoted film enthusiast, I can’t help but express my excitement over the groundbreaking twist in the “Doctor Who” series – the Timeless Child storyline. This lore shift is as daring as it gets for this beloved show! Interestingly enough, some aspects of this arc are even being retconned themselves.

For years, we’ve known that the Doctor was just another Time Lord hailing from Gallifrey. Sure, they were special and always under the watchful eye of the High Council, but they were portrayed as a rebellious figure against their planet’s societal norms and government. However, with the introduction of the Timeless Child, we now learn that the Doctor is not just another Time Lord, but rather the one who brought the Time Lords into existence! Quite a change, wouldn’t you agree?

This revolutionary narrative redefines the origins of the Time Lords, not just the Doctor’s, and significantly transforms the show. It positions the Doctor as the pioneer behind the Time Lords’ genetic makeup, including their regeneration ability. Moreover, it challenges the conventional belief of a 12-regeneration limit (unless there are exceptions, like the Eleventh Doctor in season 7).

In an unexpected move, Doctor Who reworks essential Timeless Child backstory in season 15. As a result, the Doctor’s origin remains ambiguous at this point, but we can expect future episodes of Doctor Who to perhaps offer some insight on the matter. However, there is a possibility that this change might gradually fade into obscurity and not be referenced again, much like how the Eighth Doctor’s half-human heritage was eventually overlooked.

4. Roseanne’s Book

Roseanne

In the ninth season of “Roseanne”, the storyline takes a turn that feels distinct from previous seasons, but this change serves to enhance the series rather than detract from it. It’s heartening to witness the Conner family, who have struggled financially for years, finally receiving some good fortune in the form of a lottery win.

In the final episode, it’s surprisingly unveiled that all the good fortune experienced by the Conners is actually part of Roseanne’s creative writing. This revelation leaves viewers even more astounded when they find out why she is penning the book: as a means to cope with her sorrow over Dan’s demise. Throughout season 9, Dan seems harder to support because he appears to have been unfaithful. However, this infidelity allegation is false and merely a coping mechanism for Roseanne.

Despite the fact that it took more than a decade for the retcon in Roseanne to be rectified, and Roseanne season 10 resurrects John Goodman’s character Dan Conner, making him alive and well again, this entire situation remains frustrating. Originally, the ending of Roseanne in season 9 concludes the show with a rather melancholic tone. Regardless of its intended status as a finale, “Into That Good Night Part II” tarnishes all previous episodes of Roseanne. It’s particularly irritating for this to occur at any time, but doing it during what was supposed to be the end is the most inopportune moment to do so.

3. Michael’s Death

Jane The Virgin

In the series “Jane the Virgin,” the comeback of Michael Cordero Jr., who was presumed dead, could have been a positive development, but it unfortunately marred the show’s quality. Initially, in the season 3 episode titled “Chapter Fifty-Four,” Jane’s first husband, Michael, passes away due to complications from a heart condition that stemmed from being shot on their wedding day. After this, Jane progresses with her life, eventually forming a relationship with Rafael and planning their wedding. However, the twist is introduced in the season 4 finale when Rafael learns that Michael is still alive, causing him to bring Michael back to Miami.

As a movie critic, let me share my thoughts on this gripping tale: What initially appeared to be the tragic demise of our protagonist, Michael, was nothing more than an elaborate ruse by Sin Rostro. This deception led to Michael’s memory loss and abandonment, transforming him into a new man – Jason. Living in Montana, he found himself speaking and behaving unlike his former self, desperately trying to recall his past as Michael. Over time, snippets of the old Michael resurfaced, but it became evident that the original Michael was gone for good.

However, what left me most disappointed was the handling of Jane’s character during this reunion. The way her storyline unfolded fell short of expectations, making it one of the least satisfying TV character reunions I’ve ever witnessed.

Jane decides to accompany Michael or Jason to Montana, leaving Mateo and Rafael behind, to explore if there’s still any connection between them. Although it wasn’t Jane’s fault that she and Michael parted ways initially, it’s incredibly frustrating to witness her character growth seemingly disregarded so abruptly. Such a move is completely out of character for Jane, and it’s hard to fathom why she doesn’t comprehend Rafael’s pain due to her decision.

Fortunately, the couple manage to resolve their issues and get married by the end of the series. Nevertheless, it’s frustrating that Jane the Virgin rewrites Michael’s death solely for dramatic effect, leading to unnecessary turmoil, culminating in an underwhelming resolution.

2. Sara’s Decapitation

Prison Break

In the television series Prison Break, there are several instances where characters appear to die but actually don’t, such as Michael Scofield’s, but Sarah Wayne Callies’ character Sarah’s disappearance is particularly unbelievable. After a tense finale in season 2, Sarah mysteriously disappears from the show. It turns out that Sarah is kidnapped by the Company and LJ to manipulate Michael into escaping prison. However, when Lincoln Scofield doesn’t get the hint, Sarah escapes and is taken away in a van. Later on, Gretchen arrogantly claims that she beheaded Sarah.

The audience’s shock at finding her head in a box, one of the series’ most chilling scenes, was shared by viewers then and now upon learning about it. Although many TV characters die off-screen, few leave such gruesome proof that they are indeed dead. However, the show Prison Break later unveiled that Sara’s death was merely an act.

In season 4’s debut, Michael pursues Gretchen with an intention to retaliate against her. However, she surprises him by revealing that Sara is still alive. The show explains this twist by suggesting that Lincoln didn’t closely examine the box containing the head, which was indeed real but belonged to another woman. Given the grim circumstances, it’s quite reasonable why he didn’t scrutinize every minor detail of the decapitated head.

Off-camera, the current situation stems from viewers’ disapproval, since back then, there was a significant outcry over the demise of Sara in Prison Break. Yet, this apparent death is merely another in a series that has made it difficult for viewers to accept any more deaths given this turn of events.

1. Peter’s Powers

Heroes

The unique powers of each protagonist in the series ‘Heroes’ are captivating, particularly due to their individual links with their abilities. For instance, Peter Petrelli possesses a remarkable power called empathic mimicry, allowing him to assimilate and replicate the abilities of others. This talent sets Peter apart from his peers, not merely because he is a primary character, but also because it grants him an edge over them. Unlike other characters who are typically confined to one ability, Peter’s power offers a versatility that makes him exceptional, as well as the capacity to withstand others’ powers.

Due to his past as a hospice nurse, Peter seems ideally suited for this power. It not only adds an interesting aspect to his persona, but also strengthens his backstory. However, in season 3, this ability is taken away from him. In the episode “Dying of the Light,” Peter loses his empathic mimicry during a clash with his father who, tragically, takes it from his own son. Later, in “Dual,” Peter manages to regain this ability by injecting himself with a formula. Yet, the harm has already been inflicted, not only on Peter personally, but also on the overall narrative of Heroes.

Despite Peter being without his empathic mimicry for just seven episodes, it’s still incredibly frustrating. It seems that the writers are attempting to lessen Peter’s power at this stage in the series, and they hurriedly limit him instead of devising creative plot solutions within the storyline of Heroes. Moreover, when Peter regains his empathic mimicry ability, it’s not as potent as before, giving the impression that the writers are being somewhat lazy in an attempt to avoid repeating their previous mistakes. Unfortunately, this is a turning point for Peter’s character throughout all seasons of Heroes, marking the beginning of his decline.

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2025-06-06 03:08

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