Most television series have had their season (or series) finales and it’s time to see if all the hype was simply tripe:
“Ally McBeal” (Fox): Robert Downey Jr. was a no-show — and so was any emotional resonance. The flashbacks only reminded us of what this now-tired series was at one time. And what was with Calista Flockhart’s dress? (star) 1/2 Linda Bergstrom
“Angel” (WB): The vampire-with-a-soul is dispatched to a watery grave by his now-teenage son, Connor, and psychic half-demon Cordelia ascends to a higher calling. Potent. (star)(star)(star) 1/2 Allan Johnson
“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (UPN): Making up for a slight season was an action-packed finish, with vengeful, grief-stricken Willow the witch in a murderous rampage over the death of girlfriend Tara. (star)(star)(star) 1/2 AJ
“Felicity” (WB): Moments of annoying implausibility — Felicity confined to a psychiatric hospital by her worried boyfriend(s)? — and shameless theft from “The Wizard of Oz” are redeemed by an emotionally satisfying end. (star)(star) 1/2 Julia Keller
“Friends” (NBC): Rachel’s seemingly endless labor (and, oy, a visit from the ever-annoying Janice) grated, and anyone who was surprised by the ending must have been living in a cave for the last year. Still, there were a few laughs. (star)(star)(star) Maureen Ryan
“Gilmore Girls” (WB): Lorelai’s touching reconciliation with her ex Christopher was cruelly crushed, while straight-arrow Rory cheated on her boyfriend with bad boy Jess. Lots of surprises in a well-written closer. (star)(star)(star) 1/2 MR
“24” (Fox): Super-Fed Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) is told his daughter, Kim, is dead, gets revenge on war criminal Victor Drazen and the others he thought were responsible, then learns that Kim is alive, and that trusted assistant Nina was the mole, stops her before she escapes, but not before she apparently kills Jack’s wife Teri. All in one hour. Amazing. (star)(star)(star)(star) AJ
“The X-Files” (Fox): The swan song of the 9-year paranormal series didn’t meet expectations. Lots of talk about the “mythology” of Earth’s alien domination — but it needed more action. (star)(star) AJ
