By Randi Locke, Northend Agent’s
I cannot tell you how many times I have seen a reboot of an old show come back and flop after three seasons. Yet, networks keep on trying to revive shows that were once a hit in thousands of households in America. On April 29th, ABC announced the return of the classic hit Desperate Housewives. One of ABC’s highest performing series. Then on May 27th, Hulu announced that they were bringing back The Amazing World of Gumball. Making it clear that the need for familiar continues to be a hot commodity. But that is not necessarily a bad thing. Between the news sharing how our government is consistently failing us and seeing innocent people getting ripped apart from their families; turning on the television to watch a familiar favorite can provide some relief. However, as an aspiring author I know that rebooting old tv shows can give writers an excuse to not expand their creative horizons. They may even shy away from the original themes just to keep the nostalgia alive. As I mentioned before I am an aspiring writer, so I figured in order to highlight how writers can reboot a show while not only keeping the original themes but provide a fresh twist on the show; I will take three shows that I believe would be great to reboot during this time and lay out how I would handle the reboot while staying true to theme. Now before I share my list this is just my personal opinion and has nothing to do with any of the companies involve
Weeds (Premiered in 2005)
Premise
A show about a mother selling marijuana was already a political hot button. But a mother who had to start selling marijuana because of her deceased husbands debilitating debt, makes an even bigger political statement. The show takes place in the suburbs of Los Angeles where recently widowed mother Nancy Botwin (portrayed by Mary Louise Parker), decides to start selling marijuana with the help of her brother in law to the upper middle class population. The show was widely received for the leading actors performances and the dark humor that was cleverly weaved throughout the show. However, after the first three seasons critics noticed that the show lost its original appeal. Instead of keeping up with the charm and mishaps that came with starting a marijuana business with no experience, they started leaning more heavily on more preposterous subplots. For example Nancy becoming romantically involved with the biggest drug dealer in her new city. The show concluded after it’s sixth season.
Original themes
One of the prevalent themes of Weeds was the idea of suburbia and trying to appear to uphold the American dream. Nancy sold marijuana for the first three seasons behind the front of a bakery.
How I would reboot the show
For starters I would keep the initial theme of upholding the American Dream. Instead of the main character being a newcomer to the marijuana business, I would like them to have a thriving Delta 8 (derived from the hemp plant so it has lower doses of thc than natural marijuana) dispensary. With the new found financial success they would try to move their family into a wealthy suburb. Behind the scenes though, they would still be involved in selling illegal marijuana. For this premise to work the show would take place in a state like North Carolina where Delta 9 (marijuana where the thc is not altered or removed) is illegal. Unlike the original show, I would highlight on the racial disparities in the marijuana industry, such as black dealers receiving higher prison sentences than their white counterparts.
Army Wives (premiered in 2007)
Premise
Now Army Wives is a show that has critics split. The show shares the lives of four army wives and an army husband (played by the talented Sterling K. Brown) and their lives on a South Carolina army base. The characters all come from different parts of life from a newly wed to the wife of a major. The reason the critics had such divided critiques was because of the minor plot points. Though the show was praised for attempting to capture the accuracy of what life is like for military spouses. The show was also praised for touching on issues such as PTSD, being LGBTQ in the army (during the time the show aired don’t ask don’t tell was heavily enforced), and domestic violence. However, despite the show being a drama, critics felt that there were parts that were unnecessary such as the romantic subplots and off base drama.
Themes
The two main themes of Army Wives is family and duty. For these women marrying spouses in the military means that they are also on the line. What I appreciate about the show is they not only touched on how the military impacts the families just as much as the soldiers. From how one of the wives radio talk show had to constantly go under approval by an army attendant, to the children trying to navigate their own beliefs and personality while living under the army’s rules.
How I would reboot the show
To keep with some familiarity it would be the same base but with completely new wives and families. To address the critiques about the amount of unnecessary drama, the points of contention will reflect problems military personnel face under our current administration. For instance the question of duty to the president vs duty to country. I also would like to address the reason most military members enlist. In the show they did have a side plot where a new army class was being recruited however, they failed to fully unravel the economic disparities that cause people to join. I would also continue to focus on the military children. Especially the idea of how social media has changed the military kid experience.
*Scandal
Premise
Did I potentially add this because I have watched this show more times than I can count? Yes. But how can you not love a show about an intelligent woman who fixes political and social crises. Pope and associates led by Olivia Pope (portrayed by the Kerry Washington) not only fixes crises but, also find themselves in the middle of crises of their own. From election rigging, to assassinations, Scandal has kept viewers wanting more for seven seasons. The show touched on aspects of government such as personal lives of politicians, media influence, and even black ops. The main critiques were the character development in the later seasons. Critics felt that some of the main characters continued to be stuck in their old patterns despite major external events.
Theme
Scandal’s main themes of power, ethics, and falsehood remained constant throughout the series. I appreciate how even amongst the most moral of the characters, they still constantly grappled with what is right versus what needs to be done. For instance, the President constantly grappled with wanting to stay in power while knowing that he is breaking his promise to the American people.
How I would reboot the show
As much as the viewers would love to see more of Olivia Pope, she has done all that she set out to do and then some. I would still keep Pope and associates but with a fresh cast with Olivia Pope making occasional cameos. While they would still be embroiled in fixing political and social crises, they would want to keep the progress Oliva made. Even if it means exposing corrupt politicians. Though it may be fictional, I believe that seeing corrupt politicians finally be punished for their crimes could provide some hope.
