Teen Wolf: A Disappointing Continuation
The original Teen Wolf movie from 1985 has been a fan favorite for years. It starred Michael J. Fox and told the story of a teenage werewolf who had to learn how to control his supernatural power while trying to be a normal high school student. The sequel, Teen Wolf Too, was released in 1987 and was a dramatic departure from the original film. With a different lead actor and a misdirected focus on slapstick comedy, Teen Wolf Too left fans of the original disappointed and eager for a more faithful sequel.
The wait ended in 2011, when MTV released the first season of the Teen Wolf television series. With a strong cast and a focus on the fantasy elements of the original, the Teen Wolf TV show quickly became a hit. But after years of seasons and a deluge of characters, Teen Wolf has become a disappointing continuation of the beloved original, leaving fans wondering what happened to it.
Why Teen Wolf Lost Its Way
The beginnings of Teen Wolf’s decline in quality can be traced back to when the show expanded its scope. Initially, the show focused on the tight-knit core group of characters and their struggle against supernatural forces. But as the show progressed, more and more characters were added and the focus shifted from the main characters to the various side characters and their oftentimes convoluted storylines. This lack of focus continues to be a problem in the later seasons, where episodes are bogged down in details and character arcs with little resolution.
The overwhelming number of characters leads to another problem: shallow character development. There are simply too many characters and not enough time to explore each one’s story. Additionally, the show’s penchant for killing off characters too quickly also limits fans opportunities to become attached to any of the characters, making it difficult to really invest in the story.
Finally, the show’s lackluster writing is also a problem. Teen Wolf has been criticized for its overreliance on tropes and clichéd scenarios. This can be seen in the show’s use of dark detective-style stories, where a mystery is solved by protagonist Scott McCall in the style of a hardboiled detective. These stories get tiresome and predictable, making it hard to stay engaged in the show’s narrative.
The Bones of a Good Story
Despite its various missteps, Teen Wolf still has the bones of a good story. The core cast of characters remains strong, and their interactions are often the highlight of any given episode. It’s easy to understand why these characters have become so beloved.
Additionally, the universe of Teen Wolf is still vast and full of potential. With its mix of supernatural monsters and human characters, Teen Wolf can tell stories that explore the balance between mankind and the supernatural. It’s a shame that the show has yet to really delve into this potential.
Finally, the show doesn’t shy away from its darker side. From mysterious villains to cold-blooded murder, Teen Wolf sometimes ventures into grim territory, reminding fans that this isn’t your standard “teen show.”
The Future of Teen Wolf
Despite its missteps, Teen Wolf still has potential for the future. The current season, the show’s sixth and ostensibly its last, promises to bring fans back to the mysterious world of Beacon Hills. By getting back to the show’s narrative roots and focusing on the core cast, Teen Wolf has the potential to offer fans a truly fulfilling ending.
That being said, it’s unlikely that Teen Wolf will ever become a classic like the original movie. But the show still has enough faithful fans that it can become a fun and interesting conclusion to this long-lived series.
Teen Wolf was once a beloved and thrilling exploration of the supernatural. But over the years, it has become a disappointingly unfocused and shallow continuation of the original film. Despite its missteps, Teen Wolf still has potential and the sixth season looks to be getting back to the show’s roots. Here’s hoping that Teen Wolf is able to offer fans a satisfying ending.
