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Fan-favorite “Arrested Development” has been revived for a fourth season slated to air exclusively through Netflix in early 2013, and there is considerable buzz about a feature-film adaptation to follow. In a similar vein, there are a number of other gone-too-soon shows ready for reprisal.
The WB’s heartwarming drama “Everwood” was haphazardly wrapped after just four seasons. Sweet without being too “Seventh Heaven” and provocative without being too “Beverly Hills, 90210,” “Everwood” was quite a visceral rarity. The show centered on a renowned brain surgeon who — honoring the wishes of his deceased wife — transplanted his family from their home in Manhattan to the small, fictional mountain town of Everwood, Colorado. Featuring Treat Williams, Emily VanCamp of “Revenge,” Gregory Smith, Chris Pratt of “Parks and Recreation” and a host of others, the cast had an unmistakable chemistry which is hard to find in today’s series.
“The United States of Tara” flew the coop after just three short seasons. This quirky Showtime gem starring Toni Collette followed the many personalities of its title lead, a suburban mother suffering from dissociative identity order. Created by “Juno” writer Diablo Cody and featuring an all-star supporting cast including John Corbett, Rosemarie DeWitt (“Rachel Getting Married”), Keir Gilchrist (“It’s Kind of a Funny Story”), Brie Larson and Patton Oswalt, “Tara” had an impressive pedigree of talent. Founded on an interesting and original concept, the show built with each episode — the mystery of Tara’s disorder, matched with the dysfunction of her family, made for an excellent weekly half-hour of television.
The Canadian-made “Being Erica” survived for just 49 short episodes before its demise. “Erica” had a captivating and relatable premise, following 30-something Erica Strange while she fixed her mistakes via time-travel therapy. Insightful and moving, the drama was expected to receive an American adaptation, but so far no progress has been made. And if it is adapted, it is unlikely that the lead role could be filled as well as it was by Erin Karpluk, who conveys a perfect balance between insecurity and wisdom throughout the show.
There are also certain shows that, though they have undeniably run their course, are in need of a “Sex and the City”-style reunion. First and foremost is the iconic “Friends,” which finished its 10th season in 2004. The year 2014 would be the ideal time for a reunion. Another reunion should be organized for the WB’s college drama “Felicity.” Although the gang “graduated” in 2002, audiences would be intrigued to see them navigate adulthood — and curious as to whether Felicity still owns all those sweaters. Finally, even though the WB/CW’s “Gilmore Girls” ended with a sour seventh season, many have backed the idea of a film revival. Seeing Luke and Lorelai finally tie the knot on some future Thanksgiving would be as good as even the best cranberry sauce.
A version of this article appeared in the Tuesday, Nov. 27 print edition. Isabel Jones is a staff writer. Email her at [email protected].
