Well I had a big feeling “Prison Break” would be a big let-down for their “fall finale”. As I suspected they would end with no real solution.
I think 24 was the restart of these cliffhanger series' popularity. But 24 does something that Carnivale and PB can't do.. it gives the viewer a real resolution to the season's plot and starts with a completely new plot next season.
I got hooked on Carnivale for it's entire run and was disappointed when it's season-one finale ended with Justin/Alexi being killed, and then we see that Sophie is bringing him back as the trucks roll away. So a whole season of build-up and a big let-down at the end.
I can't wait 'till january, the new season of 24 will be starting. Teasers can be seen here... http://www.kiefer-rocks.com/news/index.htm . Of course they will have to come up with yet another reason why Jack has to get pulled back... I'm surprised they never had him saying “Just when I think I'm out, they pull me back in”. But their writers are always very good about creating a believable scenario. With 24, I at least know the build-up will be worth it.
To the writers of Carnivale and PrisonBreak... it's one thing to have a season full of cliffhangers while you tell the story, it's NOT ok to have a season of cliffhangers that ends in an empty season-ending cliffhanger. Hopefully the demise of Carnivale will teach writers something.
I havn't been following “Invasion” but I'm sure it will end up with more of the same hungry-but-too-sick-to-want-food feeling.