I have tried.
Really, truly I have, but I find that whatever interest I had in “Haven” has unfortunately disappeared — along with the Barn and Audrey Parker.
The show, which premiered four years ago, was one of my favorites. Week to week, a new Trouble, a new conundrum. It was witty, enjoyable sci-fi.
But since the season five premier, I just can’t find my way to like it.
I’ve tried to watch it live, recorded it, fast forwarded it, and rewound it — but when all is said and done, I just can’t. I have run out patience with Nathan, Duke, the Brothers Teague, Audrey-Maura, and most importantly, the Troubles.
Many of my readers know how I feel about shows reaching their natural end. It really is sad when a good show jumps the shark and stays on the air long after its life span. There is a time for everything, especially TV shows that should go peacefully, quietly, and timely into that good night, never to be seen again — or at best into re-run syndication where week-end long marathons are scheduled.
That time has come for “Haven.”
What started out as a really interesting premise has deteriorated into drivel. Following in Lost’s footsteps, the mysteries are mired in muck and awash in improbability.
It might be sci-fi, but for goodness sake, let there be some credibility.
Folks in the little town of Haven were afflicted by all manner of Troubles. Some were very tongue in cheek, especially the Trouble that caused storm clouds to appear when the woman became upset at her lover, or water rushing down an empty street. Some were frightening, some were really far out — including the woman that had sex with a man, got pregnant and then after giving birth, is reincarnated into the infant and the father dies of old age. Weird.
Anyway, there was the barn, there were the multiple re-incarnations of Audrey, there was the love affair. But then, just when I thought it was time for it go quietly into that good night, the writers come up with season 5 and it’s a real spifendorf.
Audrey is Maura, Nathan is in love with Audrey, and refuses to off Maura hoping against all odds that Audrey is still someplace hiding inside her. Duke loses his lady love, yet again. The brothers Teague lose control over the Guard, and all the Troubles are weirder and scarier than ever.
In fact, the Trouble that caused people to have their ears, eyes, and mouths sewed shut was particularly disturbing. But I digress.
No, the time for “Haven” to say good night has come and gone.
Not for Nuthin™, season four should have tied up all the loose ends, with the writers sending the Troubles packing. But that would be in a perfect world, and sadly that ain’t “Haven.” Oh well, maybe one of the Troubles will be a shark jumping the show and swallowing the town of Haven whole.
Follow me on Twitter @JDelBuono.
