10 TV Shows That Abandoned Awesome Ideas Halfway Through
2. Herb The Simpson - The Simpsons
The Simpsons has always thrived in spite (or more aptly because of) its lack of continuity, but even so this narrative device has had its drawbacks from time to time.
Case in point: The introduction of Homer's wealthy car manufacturing half-brother Herb, who connects with the Simpsons and has his career destroyed by an ill-advised car design courtesy of his estranged sibling. He leaves town in rage, briefly returns to regain his fortune... and has only briefly been seen once since.
Considering Herb's debut episode is often (correctly) regarded as one of The Simpsons' greatest, and he was played by a fully-committed Danny DeVito, it's a shame the lost Simpson was never given a recurring slot on the series, akin to Sideshow Bob.
Honestly, who wouldn't want Danny DeVito to run into Springfield every year or two to butt heads with Homer, Bart et al? It's a missed opportunity if you ask me.