The final episode of The Pretender, as it originally aired, was “The Prophecy”, concluding the series’ fourth season on May 13, 2000. However, the story didn’t truly end there, as two subsequent television films attempted to provide closure to the unresolved cliffhangers.
A Look Back: The Prophecy and its Premise
“The Prophecy” serves as a high-stakes culmination of the season’s overarching narrative, heavily emphasizing the mystical elements introduced earlier. It focuses on Jarod’s deepening connection to the Centre’s past, particularly the prophecy surrounding his abilities and their potential impact on the world. The episode is rife with revelations, near-death experiences, and ultimately, more questions than answers.
Jarod finds himself grappling with the weight of the prophecy, trying to understand its implications and how it relates to his own destiny. Miss Parker continues her pursuit, torn between her loyalty to the Centre and her growing empathy for Jarod. The episode culminates in a confrontation where the true nature of the prophecy begins to unfold, leaving the audience on a major cliffhanger.
The Unresolved Ending: A Call for More
The original run of *The Pretender ended with “The Prophecy” dangling several plot threads. Who was Jarod’s real father? What was the full scope of the prophecy? What was the true nature of the Centre’s plans? These questions, along with the fates of several characters, were left unanswered, fueling fan frustration and a desire for continuation. This demand led to the creation of the two television films.
The Television Films: Attempting Closure
Two made-for-TV movies, The Pretender 2001 and The Pretender: Island of the Haunted, were produced to tie up the loose ends left by the series finale. While they provided some answers and moved the narrative forward, many fans felt they didn’t fully capture the spirit of the original show and failed to deliver a completely satisfying conclusion.
The Pretender 2001: Picking Up the Pieces
The Pretender 2001 picks up where “The Prophecy” left off, further exploring the prophecy and its implications. It introduces new characters and expands on existing relationships, but many considered the plot convoluted and the characterizations somewhat altered. The film attempted to provide answers about Jarod’s family and the Centre’s schemes.
The Pretender: Island of the Haunted: A Mystical Conclusion
The Pretender: Island of the Haunted delves even deeper into the mystical aspects of the story, sending Jarod and Miss Parker to a remote island where they face new challenges and uncover more secrets about the Centre and their own pasts. While it provides some level of resolution, many fans felt the emphasis on supernatural elements detracted from the show’s original premise of a genius exploiting his intellect. This film is generally considered the end of the official Pretender canon.
FAQs: Diving Deeper into The Pretender’s Finale
Here are some frequently asked questions about the final episodes and the overall ending of The Pretender:
Q1: What happened to Sydney in “The Prophecy?”
Sydney, a crucial figure in Jarod’s life, suffered a near-fatal injury in “The Prophecy.” He was shot, and his fate was left ambiguous in the original airing. The Pretender 2001 reveals that he survived, although with lasting repercussions.
Q2: Was Jarod ever reunited with his family?
The search for Jarod’s family was a central theme throughout the series. While the television films offered some clues and potential connections, a definitive reunion with his parents was never explicitly shown. The ambiguity surrounding his parentage remains a point of contention for many viewers.
Q3: Did Miss Parker ever truly leave the Centre?
Miss Parker’s relationship with the Centre was always complex. While she displayed moments of rebellion and even compassion towards Jarod, she remained bound to the Centre by loyalty and circumstance. The television films show her taking steps towards independence, but her ultimate allegiance remains somewhat open to interpretation.
Q4: What was the significance of the prophecy?
The prophecy revolved around Jarod’s unique abilities and his potential to either save or destroy the world. The Centre sought to control his power, while others believed he was destined for a greater purpose. The exact nature and fulfillment of the prophecy remained somewhat vague, even after the television films.
Q5: Are the television films considered canon by all fans?
No. Many fans consider the television films to be of lower quality and out of character compared to the original series. Some prefer to ignore their existence and consider “The Prophecy” the true, albeit unsatisfying, end to The Pretender.
Q6: Why was The Pretender cancelled?
The Pretender was cancelled due to a combination of factors, including declining ratings and rising production costs. The show’s complex storylines and reliance on flashbacks may have contributed to a drop in viewership.
Q7: Was there ever talk of a reboot or revival?
Yes, there have been several attempts to revive The Pretender over the years. Discussions about a reboot, a film, or even a comic book series have surfaced periodically, but none have come to fruition. Fan interest in the show remains strong, fueling hope for a future continuation.
Q8: Who were the main antagonists in the television films?
While the Centre remained a looming presence, the television films introduced new antagonists with their own agendas. These characters often exploited Jarod’s abilities for their own gain, adding new layers of complexity to the story.
Q9: Did Jarod ever find a true sense of peace or belonging?
Jarod’s search for identity and connection was a driving force throughout the series. While he formed meaningful relationships with Sydney, Miss Parker, and other characters, he always remained somewhat of an outsider. Whether he ever found true peace or a sense of belonging is debatable, depending on individual interpretation of the ending.
Q10: What made The Pretender so appealing to audiences?
The Pretender resonated with audiences because of its unique premise, complex characters, and thought-provoking storylines. The show explored themes of identity, justice, and the power of human potential. Jarod’s ability to become anyone he wanted allowed viewers to imagine themselves in different roles and situations.
Q11: Where can I watch The Pretender and the television films?
The Pretender and the television films are available for purchase on DVD and digital platforms. Streaming availability may vary depending on the region and service. Check your preferred streaming provider for availability.
Q12: Are there any Pretender fan communities or resources online?
Yes, there are numerous online fan communities dedicated to The Pretender. These communities offer forums, fan fiction, artwork, and other resources for fans to connect and share their love for the show. A simple online search will reveal many active groups and websites.
The Legacy of The Pretender
Despite its somewhat ambiguous ending, The Pretender remains a beloved cult classic. Its innovative premise, compelling characters, and exploration of complex themes continue to resonate with viewers today. While the television films attempted to provide closure, the original series finale, “The Prophecy,” remains a testament to the show’s ability to leave a lasting impression, even with unresolved mysteries. The questions it raised about identity, purpose, and the nature of good and evil continue to fuel discussion and speculation among fans, ensuring that The Pretender‘s legacy will endure for years to come.