‘Magic City’ series finale: Reflection, and words from Jeffrey Dean Morgan
Only a matter of days after the news was first unveiled that Starz was canceling “Magic City,” a show that so many once had great hope in to be the next great period drama, the show came to a come on Friday night. It’s a weird sort of emotion to feel, since you know that there could have been so much more here to give had the series lasted longer. There was a great cast, and while this talent did not always come together in some of the scenes, there were also some moments that have probably not received their proper due when it comes to the media.
We are going to miss the show, largely in the way that we miss all quality programming out there. It’s biggest flaw was coming on a network that is still looking for its original voice, and it seems to be better suited for more genre programming based on some of what it has coming up.
The one person that you have to say is a real trooper in all of this is star Jeffrey Dean Morgan, who basically never gets enough credit for anything. Rather than being angry about the show’s cancellation, he told Entertainment Weekly that he is ultimately grateful for the time that he did have with the show on the air:
“We knew we were on the fence, as every show is on Starz. There’s no such thing as a solid foundation there right now. So without them saying we were going to get picked up for another year, when that didn’t come immediately, we sort of knew. I had my red flags flying the minute Boss was canceled, really, and they cut our initial season order from 10 to eight [episodes]. I think there were red flags popping up all over the place at a very early stage. But you’re always holding out hope that the network is going to back a great show, which is what we had. Sadly, they see it another way. But you know, we were fighting such an uphill battle. … But I don’t run a network and I don’t want to come off as some bitter f—ing actor, because I’m not. I’m really so thankful for the opportunity they gave me and they gave [creator Mitch Glazer] to tell his story. So, you know, in the end, it is what it is. And because of that, we got 16 hours of fantastic television.”
Now, let’s just hope that Morgan is able to secure some more series regular work, along with everyone else that is a part of the cast. Like with “Boss,” we hope that fans of Starz remember the show, and at least appreciate that they had a chance to run for two seasons.
Photo: Starz
RC
August 20, 2013 @ 2:07 am
A great series like Magic City comes along with great sets (with absolutely
stunning character and color), solid story line and sophistication only to get the axe because the network is still trying to find it’s voice. Wake up and realize that the voice you could have had that you have just dumped WAS in fact the foundation for your voice, but you never had the b&$$@ to allow it to unfold and watch it grow. It seems like the only type of series network bosses and people want these days is either vampires and zombies, and quiet frankly they all turn my stomach. Such a classy series with such unlimited growth potential and appeal…what am I going to do on Friday Nights Now? I hope another network picks this Jewell up and the rubs the Starz Execs noises in it!
xekrubx
August 17, 2013 @ 3:48 pm
This had to be my favorite show on tv this past year. I have many many series I follow at different times of the year. Im pretty much a tv series addict. My girlfriend feels the exact same way and we watch everything together. This one tops the all time list. I didnt hear about it until season 2 commercials started running. So I do the season 1 marathon and was instantly hooked after the first episode. Theres only a few shows that make me feel like im on the ride with them rather than just seeing it from a far. This show did that and more. When the credits start to play we both go “awww damn it, next week” The show didnt get the attention it deserved because of lack of advertising. Which isnt the job of the creators or the cast. Its the job of the network and for a network thats still trying to find its voice they dropped the ball. This could have been absolutely huge and what put starz on the map. Now I will be very wary of what Starz puts out. I dont want to get so attached to a show to only have it abruptly end. Ive never ever in my life been so angry that a show has been cancelled. From the sounds of it this isnt the first time they have done this to a show that people liked and it definitely wont be the last. So be careful what you watch.
Jena
August 13, 2013 @ 8:30 pm
The reason the show died was because the scripts were terrible and the cast sucked. JDM was so out of his depth and totally wooden.
Moondra3
August 11, 2013 @ 5:29 pm
HBO please pick up the PHONE and CALL this man for a series! He has such great style and grace. He was the main reason I watched this show to begin with, turned out to be pretty good! And Danny Huston was incredible. Sure there were problems.. but aren’t problems supposed to be fixed??? Was looking forward to Black Sails, but now? I’m not even going to bother. Why invest time in characters that are just going to get the axe! This is precisely the reason why I don’t watch The Big 3 network shows and now Cable is doing the same thing? C’mon!
missysmp
August 11, 2013 @ 3:28 am
JDM is such a class act. Notice that he refrains from calling the STARZ execs the sob’s that they are and expresses appreciation for what he had instead of resentment for what he’s lost. If anyone needs a role model, this is what God looks for in a man.
Boca Spin Doctor
August 11, 2013 @ 1:45 am
Fantastic final episode!
Toni Watson
August 10, 2013 @ 10:45 pm
Magic City is the best show on tv, in my opinion, and I could hardly wait for each coming episode, how they could cancel such excelllent entertainment is just a mystery…everyone I have turned onto this show is so hooked…and now it’s being cancelled!!!!! Hopefully all of the fans will band together and get the powers that are making this bad decision to reconsider…and try for a third season…it’s just too
good not to.