« Series finale » : enjeux et théorie d’un compromis moderne

Abstract

This article explores the issue of finality in serial fiction. We explore the stakes of the series finale, which is the ultimate period of a vast narrative project. As we go back through the thread of the story and study changes in endings, we offer a theory on series’ endings as based on a systematic challenging of a “formula” – a “deformulation” whose objective is to allow the fiction to evolve from its first airing to a larger world we will call the world of “multimedia re-appropriation”. This theory is here tested through the practical example of sitcom Scrubs (aired from 2001 to 2008 on NBC and from 2009-2010 on ABC). The economical mutation around TV shows changes the expectations by TV networks and studios, and gives a new role to the ending, which becomes a link between two forms of existence.