Manifest's Jaw-Dropping Finale Shatters Original Plans, Leaving Fans Begging for More!
Manifest's controversial finale sparked debate among fans, highlighting the show's divisive nature This article delves into why the original six-season plan would have worsened the ending problem and argues that the series thrived with its condensed four-season run
Summary
The ending of Manifest proved to be divisive, showcasing the potential problems that would have arisen if the creators had stuck to their original six-season plan.
Manifest's final season faced criticism, but it was fortunate that the show did not extend for another season. In doing so, it would have exacerbated the problems already present in season 4. The series finale of Manifest provoked mixed reactions as it failed to resolve various unresolved plot points and explore all the mysteries introduced in its entirety.
Manifest's fourth season on Netflix concluded and received mixed reviews due to its divisive ending. The issues raised by the conclusion shed light on the potential flaws in the creators' original plan for a six-season run. After more than 60 episodes of unraveling "callings" and investigating the vanished Flight 828, the Stone family experiences an unexpectedly happy ending. However, this ending requires them to board the plane once again for a form of judgement. Upon completing the flight, they are transported back to the year 2013 as if their disappearance never happened. While their memories remain intact, those who were judged poorly do not return with them.
Manifest was fortunate to have the chance to wrap up the characters' stories, as Netflix saved the show from being cancelled by CBS after season 3. The streaming platform granted it one final 20-episode season to tie up loose ends. Consequently, there will not be a Manifest season 5, despite showrunner Jeff Rake's initial plan for the series to extend to six seasons. Considering the criticisms aimed at Manifest's final season, it is probably for the best that the series did not continue. Stretching it out further would have detracted from the last season, exacerbating the issues present in the conclusion of Manifest season 4 part 2.
Why The Manifest Series Finale Was So Divisive
The Manifest series finale has satisfying aspects, but its ending received mixed reactions from viewers. This is similar to Lost's ending, which divided audiences. Despite offering an explanation for Flight 828's disappearance, Manifest fails to resolve many loose ends and unresolved mysteries. This may be due to the show's tendency to go off on numerous tangents over its 62-episode run. Disappointed viewers who spent years speculating on minor details were left unsatisfied when these clues amounted to nothing.
To its credit, Manifest does attempt to address the major questions of the series. However, for a show that prides itself on sprinkling minor clues throughout, this effort falls short. Details such as Captain Daly's mysterious fate and the reason for Flight 828's selection may seem insignificant, but Manifest treats them as crucial to the overall outcome. Consequently, it was necessary for the show to tie up loose ends and avoid leaving open plot holes or unresolved storylines.
Manifest's Original Six Season Plan Would Have Made The Ending Problem Worse
The Manifest series finale struggles to resolve all the mysteries introduced throughout its four seasons. It is highly likely that extending Rake's original six-season plan would have worsened the ending. Although a few additional questions could have been answered in another season or two, it is more probable that the writers would have saved the major answers until the very end. This would have resulted in an even more complex and convoluted storyline leading up to the series finale.
Manifest and Lost are shows that often elongate minor subplots while building towards revelations about the overarching story. Unfortunately, this strategy can be detrimental as fans become weary and frustrated with unrelated plotlines that overshadow the main point. Manifest, in particular, has its weaker episodes and storylines. Extending the show for another two seasons would have only added to these weaknesses and made it even more challenging for the creators to neatly tie everything together.
Manifest Is Better With Just Four Seasons
Ultimately, it's advantageous that Manifest is limited to only four seasons. Although the ending of Manifest season 4 part 2 isn't flawless, it effectively takes the characters on the necessary journey. The finale of Manifest brings the story full circle and highlights the overarching themes of the series. It provides a satisfying resolution for most of the significant players in Manifest — a conclusion they may not have received if the series had been abruptly cut short after the tragic finale of season 3.
When dealing with a show like Manifest, it's impossible to please everyone. Even if the series managed to address all the viewers' questions, there would still be individuals unsatisfied with the answers provided. It is inevitable for a long-running, mystery-driven show to leave some individuals dissatisfied with its conclusion. Fortunately, Manifest surpasses the expectations better than many similar narratives. The show may have suffered significantly if it continued for a longer duration. In this respect, Netflix potentially saved Manifest in more ways than one by only granting it one more season.
