The Rise and Abrupt Fall of a Fan-Favorite Series
Netflix’s “Lockwood & Co.,” based on Jonathan Stroud’s novels, seemed to have all the ingredients for a long-lasting hit. The show was a chart-topper in multiple countries and even snagged a nomination for “Best TV Drama Series 2023” at the National Film Awards. Yet, despite its success and a growing fan base, the series has been axed after just one season. The cancellation leaves a plethora of unanswered questions and a fan base yearning for more.
“The love and care that went into this series is palpable from cast, writers, and crew alike, emboldened by the show’s growing vocal fan base.”
The Cliffhanger That Left Us Hanging
The first season of “Lockwood & Co.” ends on a tantalizing note. Lockwood, portrayed by Cameron Chapman, leads his friends Lucy (Ruby Stokes) and George (Ali Hadji-Heshmati) into a mysterious room at 35 Portland Row. The room has been off-limits and a subject of curiosity throughout the season.
“In the final scene of Lockwood & Co, Lockwood unlocks the door, leading both them and the viewer into the dark room. And with that, the show ends.”
This cliffhanger is a double-edged sword. While it nudges viewers to pick up the books for answers, it’s a disservice to those who were invested in the TV adaptation. Chapman’s performance as Lockwood had just begun to scratch the surface of the character’s emotional depth, and now fans are left to wonder what could have been.
The Unraveled Threads of a Complex Plot
The show wasn’t just about a mysterious room; it had multiple layers that were set to be explored in future seasons. One of the most significant was “The Problem,” a term used in the series to describe the sudden influx of dangerous ghosts plaguing the world. George, whose enthusiasm was palpable through Ali Hadji-Heshmati’s performance, was on a quest to solve this mystery.
“This would have been answered in the last season, which would have been a long wait anyway, but it is a worthy reveal.”
Other dangling plot threads include the enigmatic Orpheus Society and the mysterious Penelope Fittes, whose motives remain unclear. And let’s not forget Norrie, Lucy’s friend who is left in a ghost-locked state. Could she have woken up?
The Missed Opportunities: What Could Have Been
The “Lockwood & Co.” books are rich in material that could have been adapted into multiple seasons. From haunted department stores to ghost-overrun towns, the series had the potential to expand its supernatural universe. A new character, Holly Munro, was set to join the team, and Lucy’s character was poised for significant development.
“This show had a lot of potential to be a faithful adaptation of the beloved book series, while still bringing something new for book readers.”
The Streaming Dilemma: Too Many Shows, Too Little Time
Netflix’s habit of canceling shows with little to no marketing is becoming a concerning trend. The streaming landscape is so saturated that viewers are hesitant to invest in new shows, fearing premature cancellations. This creates a vicious cycle that “Lockwood & Co.” has unfortunately fallen victim to.
“Perhaps the most distressing fate would be to pull it from the service, as we’ve seen Max and Disney+ do recently, but that seems unlikely.”
A Final Salute to a Show Cut Short
While the chances of “Lockwood & Co.” being picked up by another streaming service seem slim, the show has left an indelible mark on its fans. The cast, especially newcomers like Cameron Chapman, Ruby Stokes, and Ali Hadji-Heshmati, have showcased their talents and deserve to be seen in more roles.
“This may be all we get in a television adaptation of Lockwood & Co., but it is one of the best book adaptations ever made.”
For now, all we can do is hope for a miracle or turn to the books for closure. Either way, “Lockwood & Co.” will remain a gem that was taken from us too soon.
The first and only season of “Lockwood & Co.” is currently streaming on Netflix.
