Join us for a series of essays about science fiction TV series that, while popular with viewers, were cancelled early on by the networks. Some of the programs to be covered include Threshold (2005), Moonlight (2007-8), and the U.S. version of Life on Mars (2008-9).
Dr. Henry Morgan tells the television viewer, “Just imagine all the things you could do with eternity. See the world. Speak countless languages. In fact, there’s almost nothing in this life I haven’t done… except leave it. Unfortunately, that’s not the case for those around me. Try watching as the people you love most in the world go off to another. Only then would you know what I do. That eternity is not really a blessing… but a curse.” In those few words, actor Ioan Gruffudd as Henry Morgan presents the premise of the ABC television series Forever. With his soothing, British-accented voice, the actor portrays the immortal Henry with great optimism about having to live through an abnormally great multitude of human experiences. And, in almost the same breath, the actor expresses Henry’s despair in having seen a long, unending life where he feels the loss of those who have inevitably passed on. Gruffudd embodies those things extremely well.