Without a Trace

littlegu1nea wrote: I think you hit the nail right on the head here. IMO the writers use their "artistic license" and choose only to actually show or continue with the storylines they consider to be major arcs in the show. We don't have to see everything happening to know that they are.

The problem IMO is exactly there. The writers have no idea how to provide continuity. They were great during the first 2 seasons, when they gave us little peeks into the characters past lives which didn't require follow-up. But when you tell a story in the present, it must have a beginning, a middle and an end. You can't peek into, let's say, addiction, and have the character act like it happened 20 years ago in subsequent episodes. I know the show only has 40 minutes, but it doesn't take long to include the tail end of a phone conversation between Jack and his daughter, or Martin and his sponsor. or Danny and his brother, or Viv and her husband. Hey, imagine if Sam had given birth at the end of last season, and there would be no reminder whatsoever during this season. Makes no sense, right? Well, that's exactly what they're doing to the other characters. With Sam, we get a reminder every episode. So, it's definitely a question of priorites. 100% Jack (or Sam), 0% anybody else. It used to be more like 80-20 during the first seasons, and most people agree that the show was much better then.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 10/27/2008 22:29:47

Yeah, I think it was unfair. He saved that girl's life. He called Samantha to check on her and she didn't. He risked his life to make sure she was ok, if he hadn't she would have been killed. He is passionate about his job and helping people. Man, that a shame helping people is a bad quality these days.

Hi everyone, Just discovered this board. I think Jack was out of control and probably deserved a little punishment. I think it's more about making sure the rest of his team don't think they can act the same way. The boss is supposed to lead by example

I want Jack to get back to normal Do you think the writers can " soften " him up a little He is way too stern

All I know is that I hope Jack gets his job back because his new boss is a jackass. If he stays on much longer, I will stop watching - I can't stand him!!!

By the looks of tonight's show, I think you got your wish. The new boss took is name plate off the desk!!

very unfair, jack malone is without a trace

What happened to Jack was fair. And, again, the writers started down a path of intersting story with Jack going into therapy and finding out why he does what he does (which is so wrong). And, again, the writers just ended the storyline in an unbelieveable way. Jack just walks back into his job? I hope there are still repurcussions and coments from his team and from his boss. I hope it is not "snap your fingers and everything is now fine."

This message was edited 4 times. Last update was at 11/02/2008 15:35:45

I actually agree with the way it ended. The stress on any FBI team that is searching for a missing person has NO time, IMO, to concern themselves with ethics. I have worked for goverment for many years and there are those individuals (elected or otherwise) that come across doing business in an ethical way but that does not mean that is the way it is. Take the past NYS Governor for instance. Jack does what has to be done and has the strength to do what he has to for the safe return of the missing person. His new boss finally figured that out although wants to keep his pride intact. I do agree on a personal level that the writers do not seem to finish story lines. I happened to like Sam and Martin together myself. I actually love the actors in the whole team. I would want Jack and his team to be the real thing (a team similiar) if anyone I know and loved was missing for sure!

Jack's job is his passion and is important to him.

I love Jack. I think he was a great leader. I'm sad to see him demoted, but at least he hasn't been written off.

yes

No. I agree with the majority of responses to this question. Why didn't they just kill Jack off? He used to be kind of sexy but I don't want to watch a show about a dysfunctional Jack Malone. He would have been fired in real life. Make it stop!!! They need new blood to bring this show back to something I care to watch, which I don't anymore.

bmzlks wrote: No. I agree with the majority of responses to this question. Why didn't they just kill Jack off? They need new blood to bring this show back to something I care to watch, which I don't anymore.

Well now, that's an easy question to answer, beacause he's the STAR of the show.And IMO a lot more people would switch off if Jack wasn't there front and centre. Me for one.

I am sorry but I disagree, JACK is NOT the star of the show...the people who go missing are the center of the show, like other shows ...the several NCI, Cold case , CSi and so on, where every character has his/her own oom ( so the several fans are all glad and happy and have no reason to argue ... of course there are one or two main characters, but they there is no "prima Donna") but what I DO appreciate is that the stories are centered on the tragedy of the people as it SHOULD be, and not on the personal problems of one single guy....

Without a Trace

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