When I first heard that Love Bites had met its not-unexpected-yet-disappointing demise, I was of two minds. I was initially a little bummed because, despite its issues, the show has been pretty decent summer entertainment and a refreshing change of pace from the typical scripted show that we encounter nowadays. But once I came to terms with its cancellation, I had to wonder just how the last episode would tie things up (if at all), as the show's order was cut after a few episodes had aired this summer and well, how does one end an anthology series anyway?
The best move that Love Bites made was not immediately betrothing Annie to Matt in what could have been a contrived, schmaltzy move to a promising storyline. It's obvious that the two characters have chemistry together, but it would have been a little too much to have them go from having two quick conversations to being in a relationship and the little wink Love Bites gave us at the end was more than enough payoff. I think their connection was more about making Matt see that Amanda wasn't the one for him, a sort of catalyst to the type of awakening that isn't as typical a show like this, but there was definitely something there and it's a shame that we didn't get to explore that through more episodes of the show.
Not only did the story have potential to be something rather endearing, it turned out to be a nifty storytelling tool, as Matt was introduced in the beginning of the series, had a cameo in a short segment sometime in the middle, and the Matt/Annie story reached a "conclusion" right at the end. Also helping to bookend things was the fact that we got to see two storylines from earlier in the season pop up once again, which helped make the finale that much more satisfying. It could have worked with two vignettes of "new people", mostly if the theme and emotional payoff at the end was strong enough, but this was the first episode in the past few that had all three scenes relating to the main characters and it was fitting to send things off with a final look at the lives of Annie, Judd, and Colleen.
We may not have gotten season upon season of flashy guest stars, delightfully intertwined storytelling, and touching narration, but I'm pretty satisfied with my decision to watch Love Bites this summer. It may have had its issues, but when it was on the money, it was a joyful, breezy look at dating, relationships, and sex in a modern world, a uniquely romantic fusion of different vantage points on a particular theme that really got you thinking. There's nothing quite like Love Bites on television right now and I'm afraid that it'll be a long time before we get to see the networks try something like it again, but for eight episodes, we all got to relive the butterflies and that's more than enough for me.
Thoughts, Quotes, & Observations:
- "I have really dumb boobs."
- "You probably have bed bugs. Yeah, they're very in right now."
- "I don't want to convert them to Christianity. I just want to kill them."
- "I have a haircut next week and I need to know how it turns out."
- "Don't eat too many of those. I may have to lift you later."
- Am I alone in that I'd totally watch a Wayne Michelle spinoff? Quirky in a really good way, that Wayne Michelle.
- The shirts Jodie and Charlie wore with the hearts? A little obvious, but cute nonetheless.
- Matt's girlfriend was named Amanda. Becki Newton's character on Ugly Betty was named Amanda. Coincidence? Discuss.
- Videotaped public proposals: romantic and sentimental or cheesy and manipulative? Discuss.
- Who knew frozen strawberries could bring two people together?
Overall, what did you think of Love Bites? For those of you who stuck around the entire eight episodes, did the finale give you enough closure on the main characters? Was there a story this season that you wanted to see referenced tonight?
Haven't seen finale yet but love the show and very disappointed to see it cancelled. Seems like the network was working against it from the beginning. :(
"Matt's girlfriend was named Amanda. Becki Newton's character on Ugly Betty was named Amanda. "
Considering that two of the writers worked on Ugly Betty as well, I don't think it was totally a coincidence XD It was kinda funny, even more if you consider in UB itself Becki/Amanda had developed a huge crush for a Matt too XD
Despite this, I am so sad they cancelled it. It was a very smart, fresh, funny show. And there's never enough Becki Newton in this world.
I just hope now NBC somehow makes ep. 109 avaiable, maybe online. I'm kinda curious to see the actual end, even I could eventually agree with the article on how the Matt/Annie story has ended somehow in the better way.
I hope that NBC makes the 9th episode available online or they release a DVD and it's included as a bonus. The show was definitely different and it was exciting to see these new guest stars every episode because you never knew who would be showing up. It was also fun to see them link continuity throughout the whole series. I did feel from a writing perspective, they ended the relationship between matt long and becki newton perfectly. not too rushed and there's a hint for more. but as a person who's quickly become a fan, i felt a little sad not seeing them pursue one another. But overall, it was a great series that deserved more. NBC tends to cancel great rom coms.
With my group of friends NBC is taking a nose dive – making decisions on programming that's causing us to tune into other stations. First Perfect Couples and now Love Bites, it looks like NBC gives the old axe to anything new and different. If sarcastic humor is used or heaven-forbid, scripted storylines and plots – it's the kiss of death. I guess what we really need is more reality shows or sad "gameshows" that require little intellect. Between the stupid human shows and mindless fluff airing on NBC these days – I spend less time watching NBC and care less about new shows on that network. If it's good – it will get pulled anyway so why bother.
I'm so sad it got canceled :( I really loved the show. I really love Matt and Annie. I guess they kinda cleared that up I'm taking it as they are getting together :) I wish they would bring it back.
I rly liked the episode with Tommy n Stefi and i kinda wanted more of them. Their story was less predictable; more unique :)