Summary
The finale of Manifest brings attention to a common issue encountered by mystery series - the challenge of satisfying fans' expectations after prolonging the revelation of a mystery across multiple seasons.
Several mystery shows, like Lost, have had disappointing endings that didn't satisfy devoted fans. Similarly, Manifest's finale, although logical, left fans feeling let down as they were expecting something more astonishing.
The process of following mystery shows, with the intricate clues and interconnected storylines, is frequently more significant than the ultimate conclusion. Viewers may lose interest or become disenchanted as these shows continue for extended periods of time.
Manifest's finale has revealed a harsh truth about mystery shows in general. Over the course of four seasons, NBC's supernatural drama kept viewers on edge, tantalizing them with hints and clues about the events surrounding Motegogo Air Flight 828. This flight caused its passengers to age five years while they were mysteriously absent, and upon their return, they had to find their place in a world that had moved on without them. Fans had eagerly anticipated a satisfying resolution, but unfortunately, the series finale of Manifest left them divided.
Although most of the show's mysteries were adequately explained, such as the whereabouts of the plane during its absence and the origin of the Callings, there was one significant storyline regarding the 16th-century explorer Yusuv Al-Zuras that seemed to lose its impact after being prominently featured in season 2. Despite Manifest's efforts to tie up loose ends, the finale ultimately demonstrated a common pitfall of long-running mystery shows – the inherent disappointment that arises from their intricate construction.
Manifest's Series Finale Criticism Highlights The Challenge Facing Mystery TV Shows
Criticism of Manifest's series finale often points out a common issue faced by mystery shows. It becomes challenging to maintain the same level of intrigue and excitement as the first season when the answers to the central mystery are drawn out over time. This difficulty in meeting fans' expectations eventually arises once the mystery is finally solved. Consequently, it is not surprising that Manifest is facing similar criticisms as other shows with a comparable theme.
The discovery of Al-Zura's journal, attempts to uncover the connection between his voyage and Flight 828 (despite a time gap of hundreds of years), and the exploration of the origins of the Callings all provided enjoyable material for speculation throughout the years. However, when Zeke's return to Manifest finally addressed the long-standing mystery of Al-Zura, it brought closure to the time travel narrative. Unfortunately, this resolution lacked the cleverness that some fans desired. Although it made sense within the context of the show, it ultimately failed to provide the mind-blowing and less logical outcome that many fans craved.
Other Mystery Shows That Had Divisive Endings
Many mystery shows, including Lost, had disappointing endings despite years of buildup. Lost followed a group of survivors who were stranded on a mysterious island, with new clues and revelations released each season. However, the final explanation failed to satisfy fans who had patiently followed the show. Manifest, now being compared to Lost, suffered from a similar issue. Instead of using the cliché "it was all a dream" trope, Manifest chose to reset all the main characters back to the start of the mystery in a predictable and unimaginative manner.
Due to its immense influence, Lost has inspired other shows, such as Manifest, to replicate its success. Series like Westworld, From, and The Leftovers have attempted to present intriguing mysteries that can satisfy fans. However, as these shows prolong their storylines, many fans either lose interest or become disillusioned. Ultimately, the enjoyment of watching mystery TV shows lies in discovering clues, connecting narrative threads, and embracing the journey rather than fixating on the destination.
