It’s no secret that the ratings for Glenn Close and her Damages TV show have not been very good for awhile. If the series hadn’t gotten a two-season renewal, it likely wouldn’t have gotten a third year at all. Tonight’s episode marks the last of the season and very well may be the last of the series — but not if the Sony studio has their way.
There’s been talk of Sony trying to find a partner like DirecTV to share Damages’ production costs with FX. Unfortunately, the series is expensive and the ratings aren’t good so it’s a harder sell than others. It seems hard to imagine that a buyer could be found but Sony says that they’re continuing to try to make it happen.
Sony maintains that international sales of the show will play a key factor in keeping the show going.
According to the NY Times, Sony makes about $2 million an episode from international sales.
Zack Van Amburg, president of programming and production for Sony Pictures Television, said, “International is critical for these shows,” he said. “Five years ago broadcast shows were more valuable. They were thought of as better-produced and of higher quality. Now cable shows have gone out and performed well.” Van Amburg also says that the series has been a labor of love for the studio.
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If Sony isn’t successful, it sounds like Damages fans will be getting some degree of closure. After wondering for an entire season, viewers will find out how Tom Shayes (Tate Donovan) died. Of course, they aren’t the only ones who were kept in the dark. Donovan didn’t find out until shortly before he was to shoot his death scene for the finale.
Damages series co-creator Todd A. Kessler says that, because of the format of the show, the season (or series) finale will have closure. He said, “Each season is one case, so the nature of our storytelling is that the story comes to an end. Tom’s death will forever change Patty Hewes’ life and Ellen Parsons’ life, and in many ways, that is where the emotions of this season end.”
If the show does continue on, Patty will be affected by Tom’s death but, co-creator Daniel Zelman believes, “There’s some question as to whether Patty is capable of taking the full amount of responsibility that she probably should take. Because if she did, she would have to stop. That’s a question we have to answer: Is she capable of taking responsibility or is she stuck in a place where no matter what the consequences are, she has to push forward and hold on to her power?”
What do you think? Would you like to see Damages continue on? If it doesn’t, are you satisfied with tonight’s being the last episode?
Image courtesy FX.
Damages is the best tv show ever. It would be very popular if it were marketed better.
I can’t imagine not continuing Damages. Well written, acted and edge of your seat drama.
If lost could go 6 Seasons, Damages should go 20. It was obvious to me how Lost was going to end, but Damages is really a much more intelligent show, which is probably why it hasn’t had as good of ratings. Television is designed for 100 and below IQ;s so I am not surprised, but will be very disappointed if Damages is cancelled.
Love love the show–My husband and I are hooked–excellent storyline Glenn close is phenomenal!!! Gotta see season 4!!!!!!!!!
No, no, NO. This is without a doubt one of the best shows on TV and that finale was amazing. I am shamelessy addicted to this show and am making all of my friends catch up on DVD. They just need to market it more and get the show out there. Re-run past seasons this Summer so that people can watch and then market the hell out of Season 4. It’s a must see and there is still SO much that they can do with Patty & Ellen. PLEASE DO NOT CANCEL, SONY!!!
I’ve enjoyed a number of shows that have been cancelled and it’s always hard but I understand that some of them just weren’t appealing to enough people. But Damages is movie quality entertainment every week. If the network would do more creative advertising, I can’t believe the audience wouldn’t increase. It should highlight some of the great scenes played by Ted Danson, Lily Tomlin and Martin Short–not to mention Close herself. It should be touted as a great mystery with characters who are complex and intriguing. Somebody should figure out how to market it. The actors, writers, producers and audience… Read more »
We have been watching and enjoying Damages since 2007 and it is one of our favorite programs. We have to admit that Season 3 was excellent with the entire Ponzi scheme storyline. It was sad to see Tate Donovan’s character killed in the Season 3 Finale, although the story indicated this direction from the beginning of this seasons. Damages is a rare program that does not follow the typical insipid stories that the four major networks try to pass as entertaining. I love Glenn Close and she gives such a commanding performance that is so real and Rose Byrne is… Read more »
This is the best written and best acted series drama to be on TV in a very long time. It is entertainment that makes you think! To lose this would be a severe blow to audiences who had hope that TV was not a lost cause.
I have been watching since day 1 and its getting better with each episode. One of the most original shows that I have seen since I can remember. The best thing is when they show pieces of how the season will end in each episode. If FX just up and cancels it then they have officially lost their minds. However, if the deal with Direct-TV goes through or they get another deal, then I would suck it up and wait a little bit longer to see the new season, like I have been doing with Friday Night Lights.
I love the show. Have watched every season. I hope it returns.
Damages is my favorite show…EVER! I have never missed an episode. I watch it live as well as tape it, just in case I become unconscious or some such thing. I truly hope Damages returns next season and for many more thereafter.
I came late to viewing Damages but once I started season 3 I was totally hooked! I rented both season 1 & 2 and was unbelievably impressed! The writing on all seasons is just exceptional. The acting is way above grade. Having top notch actors like Tomlin, Short, Danson and others was a very smart choice. I loved watching the whole series in a few days because it was just like going to the movies. Damages is a perfect example of how creative people can do TV work that is appreciated by adults with minds looking to be challenged. I… Read more »
OMG…..please, please do not cancel Damages. I wait anxiously for Monday nite to see what is going to happen next. I watch very few programs on TV…but since I have found Damages….I would never miss a show. Was so hooked on this show…I rented Season one and two and am enjoying Season three…and I feel there is so much more material that can be expanded on.
The birth of Michael’s baby in jail….Ellen Parson’s career and love life…Patty Hewes sensational cut-throat cases…etc.
The last show did answer a lot of the questions….but I still would like it to go on.
It’s crazy that FX would even consider cancelling Damages. It is ‘appointment’ TV. Last night’s finale was the best! It’s hard for me to believe Damages doesn’t have good ratings. I think it is so well done, and it keeps one interested. I am also a fan of Lost, but this outdoes Lost by a mile. Lost has lost my interest and it is time for it to go. But, NOT Damages. It is imaginative, thrilling, all things a great show should have.
Did you not just love the Damages Seasons 3 finale? There was more intrigue in the finale Monday night than most programs have in an entire season!! I am still a fan of Lost, although I really do not have much of a clue what is going on.
A rare gem in the original television drama world. Intrigue that never stops….you must continue to make it!
Please don’t cancel Damages! This season was the BEST of the 3 seasons so far. A partnership with DirecTV would be wonderful. Of course, all of FX Channel’s original series shows have been so enjoyable. Sons of Anarchy and Justified are great too.. but, please don’t cancel Damages.. it will be sorely missed if it is.