Favorite TV Show We Said Farewell to in 2012

No, we didn’t get the end of the world in 2012, but it was the end for several story worlds we’ve grown to love. Which of these dearly departed shows are your favorites?

Fans have used Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, forums, Reddit, Pinterest, blogs, and chatboxes to get the word out about past polls. Our toolbar at the bottom of the page has lots of quick links to help you share this post, or you can mouse over the image above!

I know I’m missing a few shows that ended in 2012, so feel free to nominate other shows on our Facebook page, tweeting me at @waterfallbooks, or by leaving a comment below. (Be sure to stick with live-action, scripted shows.) Also, there are several shows that have been canceled, but will air their final episodes in 2013, and are therefore not included below (Fringe, Last Resort, The Office, etc.).

Without further ado, vote for up to five of the shows below! Poll will close Monday night, December 31st, so spread the word quickly!

What's your favorite show we said farewell to in 2012? (Choose up to 5!)

  • Leverage (48%, 556 Votes)
  • Merlin (10%, 117 Votes)
  • Chuck (8%, 96 Votes)
  • House (7%, 77 Votes)
  • Eureka (6%, 71 Votes)
  • The Finder (4%, 48 Votes)
  • The Closer (4%, 45 Votes)
  • Fairly Legal (2%, 28 Votes)
  • Common Law (2%, 25 Votes)
  • The Secret Circle (2%, 19 Votes)
  • Ringer (1%, 17 Votes)
  • Gossip Girl (1%, 15 Votes)
  • Awake (1%, 13 Votes)
  • Alcatraz (1%, 6 Votes)
  • Bent (0%, 5 Votes)
  • NYC 22 (0%, 5 Votes)
  • One Tree Hill (0%, 5 Votes)
  • GCB (0%, 1 Votes)

Total Voters: 715

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Big Bang Theory Season 6 — Margo Harshman as Alex – TVLine

Bent’s Screwsie (Margo Harshman) will be showing up on The Big Bang Theory as Sheldon’s new assistant Alex, but apparently it’s Leonard she’ll really hit it off with (enough to kick Penny out of beta testing mode?). No news yet as to whether she’ll appear in one episode or several.

Big Bang Theory Season 6 — Margo Harshman as Alex – TVLine.

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Ben and Kate – Pilot

Fox has put a few of its new fall premieres online early, including sibling comedy Ben and Kate (which you can watch now on Hulu and starting September 25, on Tuesdays at 8:30). Irresponsible Ben Fox has a habit of crashing into his uptight younger sister’s life at the most inopportune moments, but he genuinely loves her and her five-year-old daughter, Maddie. His latest visit brings upheaval to both siblings’ love lives.

Nat Faxon and Dakota Johnson do a good job at playing the brother-sister duo, and it’s a nice change having the zany brother be older instead of younger. There’s some room for growth for their relationship to really zing, though, especially since Fox has another sibling comedy coming mid-season, The Goodwin Games. Daughter Maddie (Maggie Elizabeth Jones) is a bit underused in this episode, but her presence and the show’s dynamics give off a bit of a Bent vibe, though Ben and Kate isn’t as snappy or as risque as the ill-fated NBC show.

Rounding out the cast are Ben’s friend Tommy (Echo Kellum) and Kate’s friend and coworker BJ (Lucy Punch). Tommy doesn’t get much screen time in this episode, but he seems a likeable enough character. BJ initially turned me off a bit, but I think it was mostly because her abrasive personality and accent reminded me of The Office’s Nellie (Catherine Tate). Also, the only thing I’d seen Lucy Punch on before was Ella Enchanted, where she plays an evil stepsister (which probably didn’t help my opinion). I think I’ll warm up to BJ, and when a show leans on the heartwarming side, it’s good to have a character or two who bucks the status quo.

The humor in the pilot was more of the smiling type instead of laugh out loud, but the show feels genuine and organic. I definitely plan to stick around for a few more episodes. Since Fox is the only broadcast network with an 8PM comedy block, there’s a good chance this show will get ignored by most people who don’t watch its lead-in, Raising Hope (which is a pretty compatible show to pair it with). At least the premiere will be sandwiched between two new episodes of New Girl, but most viewers will typically be watching NCIS, Hart of Dixie, The Voice, or Dancing with the Stars results during that hour. Ben and Kate will have to keep improving to survive, but it’s off to a solid start.

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TV Olympics: Favorite Elementary-Aged Character

Poll #4 in our Olympic event (have you been keeping up?) focuses on characters aged 6-12 and the talented child actors who play them. From this small list of nominees, you can see that elementary-school-aged characters have grown increasingly rare in the TV world, but there still are a handful of awesome ones out there (and if we’ve missed any that regularly appear on live-action, scripted shows, let us know!).

You can chose up to 3 characters, and this poll (like the others) will be open for one week. And yes, I am aware that some of these characters have moved past their elementary school years, but all spent a significant part of their show in that age range. Vote and spread the word!

Who is your favorite elementary-aged kid? (Choose up to 3!)

  • Henry - Once Upon a Time (27%, 74 Votes)
  • Young Shawn - Psych (21%, 58 Votes)
  • Young Gus - Psych (18%, 50 Votes)
  • Brick - The Middle (12%, 33 Votes)
  • Manny - Modern Family (11%, 31 Votes)
  • Kevin - Eureka (5%, 15 Votes)
  • Julie - Monk (3%, 9 Votes)
  • Benji - Monk (2%, 5 Votes)
  • Charlie - Bent (1%, 4 Votes)

Total Voters: 141

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New Girl Casts David Walton, Leslie Mann, Niecy Nash — Season 2 – TVLine

Fans of NBC’s short-lived let’s-shuffle-this-off-into-oblivion-nothing-to-see-here-folks comedy Bent should be excited by star David Walton’s return to TV in Fox’s New Girl. Walton will play a reoccurring “bad boy” type who mistakes Jess for someone else. Being the quirky and mischievous person that she is, Jess decides to play along.

By the way, have you seen the season two poster yet? I think it’s pretty awesome:

New Girl Casts David Walton, Leslie Mann, Niecy Nash — Season 2 – TVLine.

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New Fall TV Shows 2012 — Full List With Preview Photos – TVLine

The reason that I link to TVLine so often is because they are so awesome at what they do – for example, this planned-to-be-updated slideshow on the fall TV pickups. They do miss out on one thing, though – personal commentary. Which I’m happy to provide. I don’t treat shows with their evenhanded professionalism – I have my favorites, and I’m not afraid to talk about them more, bash (kindly) crappy shows, and outright ignore TV that I don’t think is worthy of attention.

While it’s hard to judge a potential show by a cast list, description, and possibly a cast photo (especially comedies), here’s my first thoughts on which shows I’ll be checking out next fall.

666 Park Avenue – ABC – possibly, want to check out the preview to see whether this leans toward horror or supernatural fun, more likely to watch if the latter.

1600 Penn – NBC – the fact that this is a comedy and stars Bill Pullman (who’s played a president before) makes me more likely to watch this.

Animal Practice – NBC – not feeling this comedy of about an antisocial vet. If the previews make me laugh and it’s a good timeslot, I might check it out, though.

Arrow – the CW – definitely will try out this one, superhero shows were notably missing on TV this past year.

Beauty and the Beast – the CW – the fact that Jay Ryan only sprouts his beast-like qualities when angry gives this a bit of a Grimm feel, and improves its less-than-impressive 80s pedigree.

Ben & Kate – Fox – could be fun, could be a disaster, waiting for previews to decide whether I’ll take it for a spin.

The Carrie Diaries – the CW – nope. Not gonna watch, no matter how much I like Annasophia Robb. The CW passed on The Selection for this?

Chicago Fire – NBC – how can a cast photo make me less interested in a show? Don’t know exactly, but this one does, and I wasn’t too hot about the show in the first place, despite enjoying Jesse Spencer on House. Thinking it may be this year’s Trauma.

Cult – the CW – high-concept show that has a description which bores me. A favorite actor might have reeled me in to try it, but I think the show-within-a-show aspect will eventually kill it.

Do No Harm – NBC – medical shows usually generate a pass for me, but the dark alter-ego thing might pull me in, if the previews wow me.

Elementary – CBS – I know this won’t live up to the awesomeness of BBC’s Sherlock, but since I enjoy most Holmes reimaginings I’ll give this a try.

The Family Tools – ABC – not really interested, but if the previews make me laugh, I might spare a half hour to give it a fair shot.

First Cut – the CW – pass. Medical meets high school drama sounds boring.

The Following – Fox – no serial killers for me, thank you.

Friend Me – CBS – checking this comedy out solely for Gupta (aka actor Parvesh Cheena)

Golden Boy – CBS – one guy’s journey from police officer to commissioner? Yawn.

The Goodwin Games – Fox – I like How I Met Your Mother, so if this show can make me laugh too, I’m in.

Go On – NBC – now this is a cast photo that works! I couldn’t have cared less about this show, but the tone set by the photo (above) makes me think it will be worth checking out.

Guys With Kids – NBC – sounds like a companion show for Up All Night, and since I don’t watch that . . .

Hannibal – NBC – did I mention no serial killers? Pity that Hugh Dancy will be in it, since I actually like his acting.

How To Live With Your Parents For the Rest of Your Life – ABC – could be fun, but shorten the title, please.

Infamous – NBC – intriguing undercover premise. I have a feeling I may pass on this out of sheer busyness, but I’ll let the previews make up my mind.

Last Resort – ABC – premise of a nuclear sub that refuses orders was enough to hook me, the additions of Dichen Lachman (Dollhouse) and Autumn Reeser (No Ordinary Family) to the cast made this a project I was rooting for.

Made in Jersey – CBS – not much info, but lawyer shows usually indicate a pass for me.

Malibu Country – ABC – if you knew my tastes in music, you’d understand why this is a huge NO.

The Mindy Project – Fox – curious to see what Kaling can do as not-Kelly, so despite the medical theme (boy, a lot of networks are trying to fill House’s place!), I’ll probably watch the pilot.

The Mob Doctor – Fox – I mean it, enough with the medical shows already! Ha, I have a feeling she’ll be digging a lot of bullets out of people.

Nashville – ABC – yes, country music is the genre I hate, so NO.

The Neighbors – ABC – a gated community of aliens? I have to see where they’re going to go with this.

The New Normal – NBC – pass.

Next Caller – NBC – another case of the cast photo working, plus Jeremy Tambor was great on Bent. This just moved from pass to checking out the pilot!

Partners – CBS – pass.

Red Widow – ABC – premise doesn’t pull me in enough.

Revolution – NBC – a few actors I’m familiar with and a decent premise make this a “see if the previews are any good” maybe for me.

Save Me – NBC – this just looks like a blend of creepy and blah. Huge pass.

Vegas – CBS – what is with networks and the 60s? Wanting the next Mad Men? Pass.

Zero Hour – ABC – need more info on what conspiracy they’re featuring, but this is leaning towards a pass.

New Fall TV Shows 2012 — Full List With Preview Photos – TVLine.

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Broadcast Freshmen Grading – How Did I Do With 2011-2012’s New Shows?

Aside from a few midseason debuts and several likely-canceled shows, ABC, CBS, the CW, Fox, and NBC have all made their decisions about which new shows are returning, and which aren’t. How did I do at picking which shows to watch this year?

ABC

Canceled: Charlie’s Angels, GCB, Man Up, Missing, Pan Am, The River, Work It

Renewed: Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23, Last Man Standing, Once Upon a Time, Revenge, Scandal, Suburgatory

I tried out Missing but wasn’t hooked. I fell in love with Once Upon a Time and Suburgatory, and my feelings for the B—- are a little mixed, but generally positive. I would have tried Revenge if I had time, and I planned to preview Scandal but was deterred by less-than-stellar reviews.

I give myself an A+ for ABC.

 

CBS

Canceled: A Gifted Man, How to Be a Gentleman, NYC 22, Rob, Unforgettable

Renewed: 2 Broke Girls, Person of Interest

I watched How to Be a Gentleman since it was the only 1/2 hour show in an empty timeslot. I disliked both Rob and Unforgettable, giving up on episode 2 for both after allowing the pilot a little leeway. I watched 2 Broke Girls and Person of Interest from the start, and liked both (though 2 Broke Girls has degraded some over the year).

I give myself an A+ for CBS.

 

The CW

Canceled: Ringer, The Secret Circle

Renewed: Hart of Dixie

I only watched Ringer, which I wanted to love more than I did. Sarah Michelle Gellar and the unexpected yumminess of Ioan Gruffudd kept me watching through a rough start, but I’m glad I saw the whole thing through till the end. I watched the Hart of Dixie pilot, but medicial + the South wasn’t my cup of tea.

I give myself a C- for the CW.

 

Fox

Canceled: Alcatraz, The Finder, I Hate My Teenage Daughter, Terra Nova

Renewed: New Girl, Touch

I watched two new Fox shows, The Finder and New Girl. Didn’t even try the others. New Girl took a bit to grow on me, but I loved The Finder from the start, and am glad I watched it.

I give myself a C+ for Fox.

 

NBC

Canceled: Are You There, Chelsea?, Awake, Bent, Best Friends Forever, Free Agents, The Playboy Club, Prime Suspect, The Firm

Renewed: Grimm, Smash, Up All Night, Whitney

NBC canceled 8 new shows (of which I watched 3), and renewed 4 (of which I watched 2). I didn’t watch a single episode of the other 7. Grimm and Smash deserved the renewal for being fresh and catchy, something that Awake’s excellent but dour presentation could have used. Cop shows seem to work best with a bit of lightheartedness thrown in, a fact that Grimm realized by bringing in Monroe more. Awake’s twin tragedies prevented all but a slight wry sense of humor. The conspiracy behind Awake’s two realities could have counterbalanced that, but the show’s creators seemed to be saving most of that for future seasons, which ironically prevented future seasons by not hooking viewers. Bent and Free Agents were under-promoted and misrepresented, which almost caused me to miss out on them – how much more a casual TV viewer?

I give myself a C for NBC.

 

What new shows did you watch this year?

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NBC Renews Community, ABC Renews Once Upon a Time, Castle, Suburgatory, and more!

Just in this evening, NBC has renewed Community for a shortened 13-episode season 4! Unlike the network’s 30 Rock renewal, this is not being billed as a final season, so I’m hopeful that the show will get a fifth season, or perhaps garner additional episode orders (the show would need 4 more episodes to reach the “magic” 88 episodes usually required for syndication).

Also, ABC has renewed freshmen shows Once Upon a Time, Revenge, and Suburgatory, as well as veteran shows Castle, Grey’s Anatomy, The Middle, and Modern Family. (If Joss Whedon ever does a broadcast TV show again, it should be on ABC. They seem to like his people – Nathan Fillion, Adam Tudyk, Jane Espenson.)

ABC’s Cougar Town is moving to TBS for a fourth and possibly fifth season (Community’s Abed should be pretty happy about that).

With Awake and Bent unlikely to be renewed by NBC, the only shows I’m waiting to hear about now are on the CW.

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Top 10 Favorite New Shows

The poll for favorite new show garnered much less activity than I anticipated, and ended with 568 voters, less than 10% than the past several polls received. Perhaps it’s because new shows don’t have an as-established fan base? (In contrast, the poll for long-running shows garnered the most non-spam votes of any poll.)

As a result, it was a close race – in fact, eleven runner-up shows were 10 votes or less away from making it into the top 10. Here are the shows that DID make it:

Number 10 – Revenge

Continue reading Top 10 Favorite New Shows

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5 Long-Shot TV Shows I Want To See Renewed

I’ve watched the ratings and predictions, and it seems like many of the shows I love are coming back next year. But there are a handful of shows that seem headed toward cancellation that I’m hoping against hope will beat the odds and get another shot. These aren’t shows that have been yanked from the schedule (like Free Agents), or that spent a lot of time in the danger zone, yet got renewed (like Fringe) or will likely be renewed (like Community). These are shows that most TV experts consider “bubble shows” or “long-shots” or “beyond hope.” I do think perhaps one of them will be fortunate enough to get a renewal; I’d be very happy if 2 or more made it.

UPDATE: I was correct. One – and only one – of these shows did get renewed: Nikita. Which if I’d had to guess which one might make it, I would have chosen.

Here are the shows, in no particular order, that in my perfect dream world would be coming back in 2012-2013:

Nikita

This is the show that got me to take the CW seriously for the first time. It perfectly filled the void left by Dollhouse’s cancellation (except for the mind-bending stuff). I love the “family of rogue agents” that has formed in this second season. Most recent spy shows have a lighter, humorous feel. This show manages to remain dark, but still be awesomely fun to watch.

Ringer

I started watching this show because of the intriguing premise and because I was curious to see what Sarah Michelle Gellar was like as not-Buffy. I stayed because of Ioan Gruffudd. I’d seen him in several movies (102 Dalmatians, Amazing Grace, Fantastic Four), but I didn’t fall in love with his acting until this show. It was nice to have Veronica Mars’ Jason Dohring around again too. The show was almost too twisty (I found myself saving up several episodes to watch so I could avoid agonizing cliffhangers), but it was very engaging and always kept me wanting more.

The Finder

My brother thought this show was on USA Network, and the humor on it matches the tone of that network perfectly. Walter could be Shawn Spencer’s long-lost cousin. I just love how zany and lighthearted and pure fun this show is. Plus it’s much more flexible than typical crime shows – finding things can take you anywhere. It’s also nice to have Bones characters dropping by occasionally.

Awake

I’ll admit, this was much more of a crime drama than a mind-twister than I was expecting. Still, it’s excellent, and piecing clues together from different worlds adds a great new dimension. I realize you can’t give away the entire “story behind the story” in the first season, but I really want to know more of what’s going on. Hopefully the show will get a second season (even if abbreviated) to dive into things, like Dollhouse was able to get.

Bent

This under-promoted comedy won my heart by the first episode. It’s not just the two leads, who have great chemistry, it’s the entire fun family formed by Alex’s daughter and sister, and Pete’s dad and crew. I couldn’t wait to see where their adventures would take them next.

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Monday Madness: Favorite New Show

This week on Monday Madness, it’s time to vote for your favorite new TV shows! This poll is for all live-action scripted shows that aired their first US episode between June 1, 2011 and April 30, 2012, and includes both broadcast and cable shows.

This poll will be open for one week, and you can choose up to 10 of your favorite new shows. Be sure to spread the word so your favorites will make it into the top 10!

Even though there are 50 options on this list, I know there are some shows I left out (I think there are only a few canceled shows or lesser-known cable shows left out this week)! As always, you can cast write-in ballots (for new live-action scripted shows only please) by leaving a comment. Want more of a say in what makes it onto the poll each week? Be sure to follow me on Twitter, since I usually ask for nominations for the next Monday Madness the weekend before the new poll.

Next week’s poll will focus on favorite season and series finales. Please nominate your favorite finales by leaving a comment! In your comment, be sure to note the show, season, episode title, and not-too-spoilery descriptive phrase (think of what a promo for that episode would say). For example: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, season 2, “Becoming, Part Two.” Aided by an unlikely ally, Buffy must face Angel to save the world.

Without further ado, here’s the poll for this week’s Monday Madness! Voting ends around 1AM May 7th.

UPDATE: This poll has closed. You can view the top ten list here.

This poll sponsored by Nannerbug Designs. Contact me if you would like to sponsor next week’s poll!

What's your favorite new show? (Choose up to 10!)

  • Once Upon a Time (10%, 168 Votes)
  • Person of Interest (9%, 144 Votes)
  • Grimm (9%, 144 Votes)
  • The Finder (7%, 111 Votes)
  • Bent (5%, 78 Votes)
  • New Girl (4%, 70 Votes)
  • Alphas (3%, 55 Votes)
  • 2 Broke Girls (3%, 48 Votes)
  • Falling Skies (3%, 48 Votes)
  • Revenge (2%, 41 Votes)
  • Suburgatory (2%, 40 Votes)
  • Alcatraz (2%, 39 Votes)
  • GCB (2%, 39 Votes)
  • Touch (2%, 38 Votes)
  • Awake (2%, 36 Votes)
  • The Secret Circle (2%, 36 Votes)
  • Terra Nova (2%, 35 Votes)
  • Smash (2%, 34 Votes)
  • Ringer (2%, 33 Votes)
  • Hart of Dixie (2%, 33 Votes)
  • Scandal (2%, 32 Votes)
  • Suits (2%, 30 Votes)
  • American Horror Story (2%, 29 Votes)
  • Last Man Standing (2%, 26 Votes)
  • Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 (1%, 25 Votes)
  • Franklin & Bash (1%, 25 Votes)
  • Switched at Birth (1%, 23 Votes)
  • Homeland (1%, 21 Votes)
  • Pan Am (1%, 21 Votes)
  • Unforgettable (1%, 19 Votes)
  • Up All Night (1%, 18 Votes)
  • Necessary Roughness (1%, 17 Votes)
  • Missing (1%, 17 Votes)
  • A Gifted Man (1%, 16 Votes)
  • The River (1%, 16 Votes)
  • Spartacus: Vengence (1%, 13 Votes)
  • Whitney (1%, 12 Votes)
  • Prime Suspect (1%, 9 Votes)
  • NYC 22 (0%, 8 Votes)
  • House of Lies (0%, 8 Votes)
  • Are You There, Chelsea? (0%, 8 Votes)
  • The Firm (0%, 7 Votes)
  • Best Friends Forever (0%, 7 Votes)
  • I Hate My Teenage Daughter (0%, 6 Votes)
  • Rob (0%, 2 Votes)
  • Boss (0%, 2 Votes)
  • Charlie's Angels (0%, 2 Votes)
  • How to Be a Gentleman (0%, 1 Votes)
  • Free Agents (0%, 1 Votes)
  • Man Up (0%, 0 Votes)

Total Voters: 568

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‘Bent’s David Walton To Star In CBS’ Greg Malins/Greg Berlanti Comedy Pilot – Deadline.com

If the burn-off schedule and low ratings weren’t enough to convince you that Bent is doomed, perhaps this will: star David Walton has been cast in a CBS comedy. The premise of this show sounds very similar to the movie Maid of Honor, with the male lead realizing he’s in love with his long-time best friend, just as she gets engaged to someone else.

Glad Walton has a chance to move to CBS, after getting burnt by NBC two years in a row.

‘Bent’s David Walton To Star In CBS’ Greg Malins/Greg Berlanti Comedy Pilot – Deadline.com.

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Bent – Hilarious and Underpromoted

I think I first heard something about NBC’s Bent almost a year ago when the 2011-2012 season pick-ups were announced. I didn’t recognize any of the actors on the show, and the premise sounded bland. An uptight lawyer falling for her contractor? Yawn.

I didn’t come across another word about the show until my brother asked my opinion on it. Surprised that there was a broadcast scripted show I knew nothing about, I looked up a preview trailer. And liked it. The two leads had great chemistry, there was an excellent supporting cast, and there was a perfect balance of wit and situational comedy. And then I got mad.

NBC had utterly failed this show when it came to promotion. If I, someone who kept up with dozens of shows and looked for all the latest news on TV, barely knew this show existed, how would everyone else know? That meant the premiere episodes would rate low. And by airing back-to-back episodes every week, Bent’s abbreviated 6-episode season would only have 2 weeks to build word-of-mouth. The show was doomed before it aired its first episode.

And I was right. The show was everything I hoped it would be – heartfelt, hilarious, zany. The contractor’s father and crew, along with the lawyer’s daughter and sister, rounded out the cast in unexpected ways, creating a “family of misfits” vibe right from the start. Fortunately for me, the show aired at a time when I didn’t have other plans, so I was able to watch every episode live.

But just as I predicted, the ratings were terrible, even by NBC’s standards. This was Free Agents all over again – a badly promoted show with a premise that sounded terrible and gave no hint of the show’s true nature. At least Bent was able to air all its filmed episodes, and the season (and almost certainly series) finale wrapped up a few loose ends to give the show a bit of closure.

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