The last episode of ALF, titled “Consider Me Gone,” aired on March 24, 1990, ending with ALF (Alien Life Form) about to be rescued by his Melmacian friends, only to be intercepted by the Alien Task Force (ATF), leaving his fate uncertain and the show on a cliffhanger. This unresolved ending, born of cancellation woes, remains one of television’s most notorious and frustrating finales.
The Unresolved Rescue: A Cosmic Bait-and-Switch
The episode centers around ALF’s long-awaited contact with Skip and Rhonda, two fellow Melmacians who survived the planet’s destruction. Using a sophisticated Melmacian radio system secretly constructed in the Tanner’s garage, ALF establishes communication and anticipates their arrival to rescue him. The anticipation is palpable as the Tanner family prepares for ALF’s departure, a bittersweet moment filled with farewells and anxieties.
However, just as Skip and Rhonda’s ship arrives, the ATF, having tracked the Melmacian signal, descends upon the Tanner residence. The episode concludes with ALF surrounded by agents, the fate of the Melmacian rescuers unknown, and ALF uttering a heartfelt, “Consider me gone.” The screen fades to black, leaving viewers with a profound sense of unfinished business. This cliffhanger ending ultimately went unresolved due to the show’s cancellation after four seasons, leaving millions of viewers hanging.
Why the Cliffhanger? The Anatomy of a Cancellation
The ending wasn’t conceived as a cliffhanger initially, but rather as a way to leave the door slightly open for a potential fifth season. However, low ratings and high production costs, particularly attributed to ALF’s animatronic puppet, led to the show’s cancellation by NBC. While there were plans for a television movie, Project: ALF, which addressed ALF’s fate, it significantly deviated from the tone and spirit of the original series, disappointing many fans.
FAQs: Unraveling the Mysteries of “Consider Me Gone”
Here are some frequently asked questions surrounding the final episode of ALF, addressing the lingering questions and anxieties that continue to plague fans decades later:
FAQ 1: What exactly happened to ALF after the ATF caught him?
Project: ALF, released in 1996, provides a somewhat controversial answer. In the movie, ALF is imprisoned in a secret military base and subjected to various tests. While he eventually escapes, the film diverges significantly from the show’s comedic tone and lighthearted family dynamics, portraying a darker, more serious narrative. Many fans consider it non-canon, preferring to imagine their own scenarios for ALF’s future. The most likely outcome, based on the ATF’s intentions, would be scientific experimentation and containment.
FAQ 2: Did Skip and Rhonda, the other Melmacians, get captured too?
The episode never explicitly states what happened to Skip and Rhonda. The assumption is that they either escaped or were also captured by the ATF. Their fate remains ambiguous, further contributing to the episode’s unsatisfying conclusion. The possibility of their capture hangs heavy, suggesting the ATF poses a significant threat to surviving Melmacians.
FAQ 3: Why didn’t the Tanners intervene when the ATF arrived?
The Tanners were clearly overwhelmed by the sudden arrival of the ATF. Furthermore, any attempt to physically resist would have been futile and likely resulted in their own arrest. They were forced to watch helplessly as ALF was taken, a reflection of their powerlessness against government authority. Their stunned silence highlights the gravity of the situation.
FAQ 4: Was there ever a plan for a fifth season of ALF?
Yes, there were initial discussions about a fifth season. However, the show’s high production costs and declining ratings made it increasingly difficult to justify its renewal. NBC ultimately decided to pull the plug, leaving the writers scrambling to create an ending that, while not conclusive, would provide some closure. This last-minute scrambling is evident in the rushed feel of the finale.
FAQ 5: How did the actors feel about the show’s cancellation and the cliffhanger ending?
The actors, particularly Paul Fusco (the voice and puppeteer of ALF), expressed disappointment and frustration with the show’s abrupt cancellation and unresolved ending. Many felt the characters and the fans deserved a proper conclusion. The actors’ feelings mirror the audience’s, demonstrating the emotional investment in the series.
FAQ 6: What is the official canon explanation of ALF’s fate?
Officially, Project: ALF is considered canon, although many fans choose to disregard it. The movie’s depiction of ALF in a more somber and less comedic light clashes with the overall tone of the original series. Therefore, there is no universally accepted “official” explanation. Ultimately, canon is a matter of personal interpretation for many ALF enthusiasts.
FAQ 7: Could ALF have escaped from the ATF base?
Given ALF’s resourcefulness and intelligence, it’s certainly plausible that he could have eventually escaped from the ATF base. However, Project: ALF portrays his confinement as relatively secure, suggesting that escape would be a difficult and prolonged process. The probability of escape is left deliberately vague, fueling ongoing speculation and fan theories about ALF’s ultimate fate.
FAQ 8: Why was Project: ALF so different from the original series?
Project: ALF was produced by a different team and adopted a more serious tone to appeal to a broader audience. However, this departure from the original series’ comedic roots alienated many fans who expected the same lighthearted humor and family-friendly storylines. The Project: ALF‘s darker tone underscores the challenges of reviving a beloved franchise after a long hiatus.
FAQ 9: Are there any plans for a reboot or revival of ALF?
While there have been occasional rumors of a reboot or revival of ALF, none have materialized to date. The challenges of recreating ALF’s animatronic puppet and recapturing the magic of the original series have likely deterred potential producers. Despite the challenges, the nostalgia for ALF remains strong, creating a persistent demand for its return.
FAQ 10: How does the lack of closure affect the legacy of ALF?
The cliffhanger ending has undoubtedly tarnished the legacy of ALF. While the show is fondly remembered for its humor and heart, the unresolved conclusion leaves a lingering sense of disappointment and frustration. The unfulfilled ending also serves as a reminder of the precariousness of television productions and the power of cancellation.
FAQ 11: What if the show was given a proper sendoff?
Had ALF been given a proper final season, it would have likely explored ALF’s return to Melmac or his integration into human society, offering fans the satisfying closure they deserved. This would have solidified ALF‘s position as a classic family sitcom with a poignant and memorable ending. The missed opportunity for a fitting conclusion highlights the importance of closure in storytelling.
FAQ 12: What is the best way for fans to cope with the cliffhanger ending?
Ultimately, accepting the unresolved nature of the ending and embracing fan theories and alternative scenarios is the best way to cope with the cliffhanger. Engaging in online discussions, creating fan fiction, and sharing memories of the show can help fans find closure and celebrate the enduring appeal of ALF. Fan engagement is key to maintaining the spirit of the show despite its ending.
The Enduring Mystery: A Testament to ALF’s Impact
While the cliffhanger ending of ALF remains a source of frustration, it also speaks to the show’s enduring impact on popular culture. The unresolved fate of ALF continues to spark conversations, fan theories, and a yearning for closure, solidifying its place as one of television’s most unforgettable, albeit unfinished, stories. The mystery surrounding his fate ultimately serves as a testament to the power of storytelling to capture the imagination and leave a lasting impression, even when the story remains incomplete.