ATTENTION ALL RAINN WILSON FANS, I have some unfortunate news. Wilson's first season show, Backstrom, might be canceled after its finale on April 30. If you're a fan, there's really nothing to do now but cross those fingers hoping that the TV Gods save Backstrom. We can't all rally together and go Beauty and the Beast townspeople on Fox executives' house, demanding for a second season (... or could we?). I'm not the only person who is extremely vocal about about Backstrom seeing another season, Mr. Dwight Schrute, Assistant (to) the Regional Manager at a mid-tier paper company in Scranton, Penn., has a lot to say about it, too.
Before I let Dwight Schrute say his peace, let's allow the numbers to talk for themselves. Zap2It's TV By The Numbers guide, which tracks ratings and viewership over the course of a show's season, labels Backstrom "certain to be canceled." For comparison, FOX shows like Empire— which if you haven't heard of it, huh? — has a "Renew/ Cancel Index" of 2.91 (in this case, the higher the number, the better). Clearly, Empire isn't going anywhere. Backstrom has a "Renew/ Cancel Index" of .64, and another show (Red Band Society) was at a .61 and canceled.
So looking at the predictions, a second season of Backstrom seems meek, but not according to Wilson's best character ever, Dwight K. Schrute (of The Office). Here's why the show should see a Season 2, according to the (Acting) Regional Manager.
FACT: Backstrom Viewers Are Loyal
Fans of the show obviously don't want to see Backstrom get canceled, so let's throw them a bone and keep it on the air.
FACT: Backstrom Is Just Rude Enough To Be Funny
I'm not arguing that Backstrom is a incredibly likable character. But his flaws can be humorous and he's probably representing a more realistic person than every happy/kind/rainbows and sunshine people on TV nowadays.
FACT: Backstrom Is A Questionable Authority, Which Is New For TV
Books have really been playing into the questionable authority of narrators in recent hits (see: Gone Girl and Girl on The Train) and television can use that conflicting nature as well. We, as viewers, are rarely following a "protagonist" that we don't entirely side with, and Backstrom is fitting into that role perfectly.
FACT: Backstrom Will Do What It Takes To Bring In The Bad Guys
Say what you want about his character, but Backstrom is a good detective. I know it is a TV show, but he always catches the antagonists in the end!
FACT: We Need More Time To See His Happy Dance
YES. YES. YES. YES.
FACT: Backstrom Is Not Afraid To Be Himself
It's pretty refreshing to have an obviously flawed protagonist who still does/says/offends whatever he wants.
Images: Liane Hentscher/FOX; Giphy (6)
