Endings to a Favorite Series, "The Good Wife"

By Annette Cole Mastron, Communications Director for Southern Writers Magazine

Sunday, I tuned in with 10.6 million others to watch the final episode of the seven seasons of CBS’ The Good Wife. I found the ending rather non-pulsed and flat. Initially, when the series started, I read the synopsis of the show and thought it wasn't my cup of tea. However, several friends were fans and said they thought I'd enjoy it. I began watching and became a fan. 

Mid-season last year, one of the main characters was dramatically killed much to the shock and surprise of their fans. The writers did an outstanding job of handling this episode. It was a stunning, but clever way to boost the show's fan base and ratings.

I had high hopes for the ending, but the writers of the show decided to end it with the lead protagonist in virtually the same place she started, just seven years older. 

The series started with a disgraced husband clutching his wife's hand as she stands by her man in front of glaring media scrutiny. The final episode's last minutes ended in much the same manner. The protagonist aka The Good Wife was left alone, yet again. 

Series endings are tricky. No doubt about it. The series' writers have a difficult task but need to do justice to the stories they have created. If you have developed your series characters to be strong and independent, but dependent upon each other, why would you change that interaction in the final episode?

What are your thoughts?