32 TV Show Retcons That Left Us Confused

As a connoisseur of pop culture with a penchant for spotting inconsistencies and a soft spot for a good retcon, I find these examples quite intriguing. It’s fascinating to see how these shows, over time, evolve their characters and stories, sometimes in ways that challenge our understanding or even suspend our disbelief.

Is there a TV show that maintained its narrative consistently throughout its entire duration without any instances of retroactive continuity (retcons)? It’s quite common for popular series to alter or discard previously set stories or character details, leaving fans questioning their sanity. Rest assured: you are not going mad; instead, you might be experiencing confusing or frustrating TV retcons such as the following examples.

Cory And Topanga’s Origins (Boy Meets World)

The romantic tale between Cory Matthews (Ben Savage) and Topanga Lawrence (Danielle Fishel) could have been an ideal sitcom love story if the traditional TGIF comedy had managed to maintain consistency in their relationship details. When Fishel initially joined the cast of Boy Meets World, she was portrayed as a peculiar student in Cory’s elementary school class. However, when she is later reimagined as his love interest, the show attempts to present them as childhood sweethearts, despite this not being entirely accurate.

Dan Is Alive (Roseanne)

In Season 9 of “Roseanne,” the storyline where the Conner family’s life is turned upside down after winning the lottery is unveiled as a fantasy in the series finale. Additionally, it’s disclosed that Dan Conner (played by John Goodman) had actually passed away from a heart attack throughout the entire season, a surprising plot twist that was initially overlooked when the sitcom was revived for a tenth season under the new title “The Conners” in 2018.

The Fate Of Frasier’s Father (Cheers/Frasier)

In one episode of Cheers, Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer) shares with his bar friends that his father, a research scientist, had passed away. Contrastingly, in Frasier’s self-named and popular spin-off series, Martin Crane (John Mahoney), Frasier’s dad, is shown to be alive and retired as a cop. During an episode featuring Ted Danson as Sam Malone, the show attempts to clarify that at that point in time, Frasier had cut off relations with his father due to a bitter argument.

Sara Was Not Dead After All (Prison Break)

As a movie critic, I found myself utterly baffled in the third season of “Prison Break,” when Michael (Wentworth Miller) discovered that Sara (Sarah Wayne Callies), whom he believed had been brutally kidnapped and beheaded, was very much alive. This shocking revelation came to light in Season 4, revealing that her death had been a ruse of sorts. Upon further investigation, it became apparent that the true cause behind Sara’s disappearance from the series stemmed from contractual disagreements involving Sarah Wayne Callies. However, when she and the producers were able to iron out terms for her return, they cleverly rewrote her death as a clever plot twist, leaving us all scratching our heads in amazement.

Jimmy Olsen Was Not Who We Thought He Was (Smallville)

In its sixth season, the well-regarded DC TV series “Smallville” introduced the renowned character of photographer Henry James Olsen (played by Aaron Ashmore), who later met an untimely demise three years after that. It was at his funeral where it was revealed that the actual Jimmy Olsen had been his unseen younger brother all along.

Kramer Was Originally Named Kessler (Seinfeld)

In the very first episode of Seinfeld, Jerry (Jerry Seinfeld) addresses his neighbor as Kessler, but from the second episode and beyond, the character played by Michael Richards is called Kramer. This is because the character is modeled after Larry David’s real-life friend, who also goes by the name Kramer. The series later offers an explanation in Season 9’s “The Betrayal” through a flashback to their initial encounter, where it’s revealed that Kramer informs Jerry that the name on his apartment buzzer is incorrect.

Bobby’s Death Was All A Dream (Dallas)

In Season 8 of the CBS primetime soap opera, Dallas, Patrick Duffy’s character, Bobby Ewing, was written out when he was hit by his sister-in-law Katherine Wentworth (played by Morgan Brittany) and later passed away from his injuries. However, after the writers persuaded him to rejoin the cast, it was revealed in the Season 10 premiere that everything that transpired in the previous season was a dream of his wife, Pamela Barnes Ewing (portrayed by Victoria Principal), as she slept.

Gossip Girl’s True Identity Does Not Make Sense (Gossip Girl)

In the final episode of “Gossip Girl,” it’s unveiled that Dan Humphrey (Penn Badgley) was the anonymous blogger all along, but if this is so, why does he appear taken aback by earlier posts about himself, his friends, and family? Also, Gossip Girl exposes the fact that Dan and Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Lively) share a half-sibling, which he wants to keep hidden. So, why would he reveal such a secret, even anonymously?

What Ever Happened To Judy Winslow (Family Matters)

Vee Infuso, a YouTuber, dispelled a popular rumor suggesting that Judy Winslow, the youngest child in the Winslow family from the show “Family Matters,” mysteriously disappeared after walking up the stairs in a Season 4 episode. Contrary to this legend, Jaimee Foxworth’s last on-screen appearance as Judy was actually later in that season during the episode titled “Mama’s Wedding.” However, the reason behind her absence from subsequent episodes (because the writers lacked engaging storylines for her character) was never clarified or addressed in the series.

The First Time Chandler Said “I Love You” To Monica (Friends)

In one particularly unexpected “Friends” episode titled “The One Where Everyone Finds Out,” Chandler (Matthew Perry), under Phoebe’s (Lisa Kudrow) playful pretense, confesses his love for Monica (Courteney Cox) to the astonishment of everyone, even Monica herself. However, this heartfelt revelation seems to overlook an earlier “Friends” Thanksgiving episode, “The One With All The Thanksgivings,” where Chandler inadvertently reveals his feelings for Monica when she surprises him with a turkey on her head.

A Time Lord’s Maximum Number Of Regenerations Changes (Doctor Who)

Initially in the course of the extended run of the popular science fiction TV series known as “Doctor Who,” it is set forth that the main character, who goes by the same name, along with all Time Lords, can only regenerate 13 times. Nevertheless, this rule has been revised since actress Jodie Whitaker, portraying the 13th Doctor, was subsequently succeeded by Ncuti Gatwa.

The History Of Superheroes Dates Back Longer Than We Thought (Arrowverse)

Initially, when the popular series Arrow introduced Oliver Queen’s (Stephen Amell) vigilante persona, he was thought to be the first superhero. However, as the Arrowverse franchise expanded over time with numerous spin-offs, it was uncovered that superhero teams had been active since World War II.

Kimmy Gibbler’s Sibling Count (Full House/Fuller House)

When Kimmy Gibbler is first mentioned in the 1987 pilot for Full House, D.J. Tanner (Candace Cameron Bure) says she has three sisters but the character (played by Andrea Barber) says in Season 3 that her parents stopped having kids after her. This could imply she is merely the youngest in her family but she was also known to mention having an unseen older brother named Garth. Furthermore, in Netflix’s revival, Fuller House, we are introduced to her younger brother, Jimmy (Adam Hagenbuch).

Dean Loses His Urban Philosophy (Gilmore Girls)

Initially, when Jared Padalecki debuted on the Gilmore Girls set as character Dean, he was portrayed as a Chicagoan who had only recently settled in Stars Hollow and was fond of niche books and films. But once Jess, the New Yorker with shared interests in obscure literature and cinema (played by Milo Ventimiglia), entered the picture, Dean underwent a transformation, now being depicted as someone more rooted in rural life, having abandoned his cultural pursuits and regarding Stars Hollow as his home after spending “much of his life” there.

The Disappearance Of Donna’s Sister (That ’70s Show)

It’s quite possible that, even if you thought of yourself as a dedicated fan of “That ’70s Show,” you might have forgotten altogether about Donna (Laura Prepon) having a sister. Tina Pinciotti (Amanda Fuller) appears just once in Season 1 and is mentioned only casually in a joke from the second season’s “Vanstock” episode. After that, Donna is consistently portrayed as an only child in the series.

Daenerys Goes Bad (Game Of Thrones)

In this rephrasing, I will attempt to simplify the text while maintaining its original meaning:

Are Jason And Cheryl Really Twins? (Riverdale)

One significant discrepancy concerning the characters in the Riverdale series, especially Cheryl Blossom (played by Madelaine Petsch) and her brother Jason (Trevor Stines), is noticeable. Initially, their sibling relationship was presented as that of twins. However, certain episodes of the Archie Comics-inspired drama suggest that they are in different school grades, which seems unusual for twins.

Who Made Spike A Vampire? (Buffy The Vampire Slayer)

Many enthusiasts of the series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” often view the sudden introduction of Buffy’s previously unknown younger sister Dawn (played by Michelle Trachtenberg) as a retcon, or a change made after a work has been published. However, it’s worth noting that the appearance of this power in a sentient form is explained through false memories planted into the characters’ minds following her arrival to protect Buffy (portrayed by Sarah Michelle Gellar). In our discussion, we will instead focus on how Spike (played by James Marsters) consistently refers to Angel (David Boreanaz) as the vampire who turned him. This is significant because it is later disclosed that Drusilla is actually his true sire.

Why Sheldon Knocks Multiple Times (The Big Bang Theory)

One classic recurring joke in the sitcom “The Big Bang Theory” involves Sheldon Cooper (played by Jim Parsons), who has a habit of knocking on doors three times. This peculiarity was initially introduced in Season 2, but it wasn’t until Season 10 that we learn about its origin. Apparently, he developed this habit after unexpectedly walking in on his father during an affair. He does this to ensure people have enough time to “dress appropriately” with his polite and persistent signal.

When Claire Gets Her Powers (Heroes)

In the initial run of “Heroes,” I discovered that Claire Bennet, portrayed by Hayden Panettiere, gained her extraordinary healing power during her teenage years. Yet, in a subsequent episode, when she encounters her biological mother, it transpires that she was invulnerable since infancy.

The Rules Of Being A Vessel Are Inconsistent (Supernatural)

In the extended journey of fifteen captivating seasons that Supernatural unfolded, it was revealed that serving as a conduit for a spiritual entity would ultimately lead to the host’s demise once the entity no longer needed their corporeal form. Surprisingly, characters such as Sam (Jared Padalecki), Dean (Jensen Ackles), and even President Jefferson Rooney possessed by Lucifer (David Chisum) managed to survive after relinquishing their roles as vessels.

Tina Admits She Was Faking Her Stutter (Glee)

In the debut season of “Glee”, Tina, portrayed by Jenna Ushkowitz, initially appears to have a stutter. However, this impediment vanishes after she becomes part of the glee club. Later, it’s disclosed that she had been feigning the stutter in an attempt to win over Artie Abrams (Kevin McHale) affectionately.

Randy Suddenly Gains An Uncle (Monk)

Occasionally, even a smart detective series like “Monk” can slip up with some logical inconsistencies. For example, Lt. Randy Disher (Jason Gray-Stanford) claims he has two aunts but no uncles, but in the Season 5 episode titled “Mr. Monk Visits a Farm,” he receives inherited land from a deceased relative… his uncle, Harvey (Jack Kehler).

President Barlett’s Death Tax Repeal Veto Is A Surprise (The West Wing)

In Season 2 of Aaron Sorkin’s show, The West Wing, political commentator Mark Gottfried (Ted McGinley) notes that President Josiah Bartlett (Martin Sheen) rejected a Republican-backed education bill. Yet, when he vetoes the “death tax” repeal in the subsequent season, there is an uproar because some people argue that he had not previously used his veto power.

Barney Suddenly Knows How To Drive (How I Met Your Mother)

As a movie reviewer, I’d rephrase that as follows: In the second season of “How I Met Your Mother,” we uncover an intriguing aspect about Barney Stinson (played brilliantly by Neil Patrick Harris): he’s not just a man who can charm his way through life, but also one who’s petrified at the thought of getting behind the wheel of a car. However, fast forward two seasons to the outstanding episode titled “As Fast as She Can,” and Barney is seen making several attempts to secure a speeding ticket, proving he can talk his way out of any situation. Interestingly, there’s no hint in subsequent episodes about him finally overcoming this fear or learning to drive, which feels somewhat abrupt given his sudden ability to navigate the roadways.

Fans Still Missed Moriarty (Sherlock)

Towards the conclusion of Sherlock’s third series, a message from the archenemy Moriarty (Andrew Scott) hinted at a significant role for him in the upcoming season. However, viewers would later learn that he had no part in Season 4, which felt less like a plot revision and more like an exasperating letdown.

Walker Blood Is Not A Source Of Infection (The Walking Dead)

Initially, the early episodes of “The Walking Dead” made it clear that receiving undead blood through the eyes, mouth, or open wounds would be lethal. However, as the series progressed, this rule seems to have been largely disregarded. This change, or retcon, is more extensive than just the television show, as it contradicts a well-established and crucial aspect of the comic book series by Robert Kirkman that served as the basis for the AMC show’s success.

Al Dreamt Peg’s Pregnancy (Married…. With Children)

At the close of the first season of “Married… with Children,” it turns out that Peg (Katey Sagal)’s pregnancy throughout half the season was actually just Al’s (Ed O’Neill) dream. However, there is a more somber truth behind this plot twist as revealed in Sagal’s memoir, “Grace Notes.” In reality, Sagal was pregnant during filming, but she experienced a miscarriage. The show opted not to introduce another child character into the cast following this event.

SpongeBob Knew Sandy As A Child (SpongeBob SquarePants/Kamp Koral: SpongeBob’s Under Years)

In the second episode of “SpongeBob SquarePants,” titled “Tea at the Treedome,” we witness SpongeBob, voiced by Tom Kenny, encounter Sandy Cheeks, played by Carolyn Lawrence, for the first time. However, the spin-off series, “Kamp Koral: SpongeBob’s Under Years,” implies that SpongeBob and Sandy were acquainted when they attended Kamp Koral together as kids.

Peggy’s Mom Keeps Changing (King Of The Hill)

Initially, King of the Hill portrays Peggy’s mom as a typical suburban housewife. However, her character undergoes a significant transformation later, becoming the spouse of an embittered old rancher instead. It’s also worth noting that in one episode where Bobby’s secret admirer is revealed to be his grandmother pulling a prank, the elderly woman in question is neither Hank’s nor Peggy’s real mother.

Andy’s Father’s Name Changes (The Office)

In the TV show “The Office” on NBC, after proposing to Angela, character Andy refers to his parents as Andrew and Ellen Bernard, suggesting he is Andy Bernard Jr. But when we encounter his parents in “The Garden Party,” his father is introduced as Walter Bernard Sr., and Andy clarifies that he was initially named Walter Jr. before his younger brother (played by Josh Groban) was considered more fitting for the junior title.

The Rules For Transferring Powers (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers)

In the second season of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, after Jason (Austin St. John), Trini (Thuy Trang), and Zack (Walter Emanuel Jones) leave, the remaining team must find a unique sword to move their powers onto Rocky (Steve Cardenas), Aisha (Karan Ashley), and Adam (Johnny Yong Bosch). But in the subsequent season, when Kimberly (Amy Jo Johnson) required to pass her powers on to Kat (Catherine Sutherland), she simply passed over her power token.

2024-12-26 23:38