Why FlashForward Shouldn't Have Been Cancelled

Compelling mysteries and a clever plot are all well and good, but stories with underwhelming characters are usually little more than Wikipedia articles with delusions of grandeur.

Thankfully, FlashForward was no soulless puzzle box, and its fascinating characters were at the heart of its success. Every single member of the main cast, which ranged from FBI agents to medical practitioners, was both interesting and believable.

The series’ talented performers, who included Lost alumni Dominic Monaghan and Sonya Walger, Star Trek star John Cho and future Emmy winner Courtney B. Vance, undoubtedly helped.

There were very few clear-cut heroes and villains. Many honourable figures were pushed towards dark places and dubious choices by the blackout, which brought out the best in others who had previously been selfish or despairing. The truly heroic feats that some characters achieved made their failures and shortcomings all the more tragic.

FlashForward’s characters endured struggles beyond those linked to the central conspiracy. From Mark’s battle to avoid an alcohol relapse to Janis’ efforts to juggle her career and her desire to have a baby, the personal issues that they dealt with made them far more grounded and relatable. Given how engaging the cast was, the fact that their stories were never resolved was extremely frustrating.