As a huge fan of “3rd Rock from the Sun,” I can’t help but reminisce about those hilarious days when the Solomon family graced our screens. The show was a breath of fresh air, and it’s hard to believe that it’s been over two decades since we last saw Dick, Sally, Tommy, Harry, and Mary!
During the ’90s, sitcoms thrived, with classics like “Seinfeld,” “Friends,” “Home Improvement,” and “Frasier” still drawing crowds even after their final episodes. Despite being relatively overlooked, “3rd Rock from the Sun” ran for six seasons and ended on a satisfying note. However, Bonnie and Terry Turner’s series almost had an ending that could have tarnished its reputation.
The TV show “3rd Rock from the Sun” follows the Solomon family – Dick (John Lithgow), Sally (Kristen Johnston), Harry (French Stewart), and Tommy (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) – as they adapt to life in Rutherford, Ohio. But unlike ordinary Midwestern residents, the Solomons are actually extraterrestrials from another galaxy, disguised among us on a fact-finding mission. This gives the show an original blend of sci-fi elements with traditional sitcom humor.
Regardless of its quirky concept, “3rd Rock from the Sun” has numerous heartfelt scenes, demonstrated by its touching conclusion. Interestingly, viewers may find it intriguing to discover an alternate ending that was considered. So, let’s explore what could have been.
3rd Rock from the Sun’s original finale ending, explained
In due time, every TV series reaches its conclusion, and “3rd Rock from the Sun” was no exception, having the privilege to end on its own terms. The final episode, titled “The Thing That Wouldn’t Die,” finds the Solomon family receiving an order to return to their home planet since their Earth mission has been accomplished. Consequently, they organize a grand farewell bash and extend invitations to their earthly companions, allowing them to enjoy one more jubilant moment together before departing. To add to the festivities, Elvis Costello graced the gathering with a lively musical performance.
In another setting, following the unveiling of his true identity, Dick Solomon successfully persuades his girlfriend, Mary Albright (portrayed by Jane Curtin), to embark on their relationship’s continuation beyond the stars with him. Initially, she consents, but begins to hesitate upon contemplating the prospect of forfeiting everything to start anew on an unfamiliar planet.
At the close of the story, Dick wipes Mary’s memories as he departs, yet the affection she holds for him lingers. Nevertheless, another possible conclusion presents them remaining a troubled pair.
How 3rd Rock’s Alternate Ending Would Have Changed The Finale
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but reflect on the series finale of “3rd Rock from the Sun.” In the end, Mary chose to stay on Earth, leaving the prospect of starting anew on an alien planet behind. This decision understandably left Dick heartbroken at the thought of parting ways with his beloved. Despite the bittersweet nature of their final conversations, these moments were filled with a tender warmth that resonated deeply – if not for the alternative ending the creators had originally planned.
From my perspective as a fan, this alternate ending shares the original plot point where Dick cleanses Mary’s memory and boards his spaceship. But here, he comes back and snatches his amnesiac ex-lover instead, tarnishing the heartwarming essence of their farewell. Abducting someone is never a good choice, but doing so to someone who’s recently lost their memories due to external factors is particularly distressing.
It’s clear now that choosing an alternative finale may not have held up over time, so it was wise for the showmakers to go with the heartfelt ending instead. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the emotional conclusion is the absolute end for “3rd Rock from the Sun”, as there’s been a trend of sitcom revivals recently.
What happened to the 3rd Rock from the Sun cast after the series finale?
As a gamer, I’d say: John Lithgow, one of the stars from “3rd Rock from the Sun”, is still going strong in Hollywood today. He’s been praised for his roles in shows like “Dexter” and “The Crown”. In “Dexter”, he brought a chilling performance as a serial killer, while in “The Crown”, he played the historical figure Winston Churchill. You can catch him now on “The Old Man”, an action-packed series on FX, where he stars alongside acting legend Jeff Bridges.
After his popular sitcom “3rd Rock from the Sun,” Joseph Gordon-Levitt has made a name for himself in films, becoming a well-known actor. He’s been in hit romantic comedies like “500 Days of Summer” and collaborated with Christopher Nolan on movies such as “Inception” and “The Dark Knight Rises.” Additionally, he’s worked frequently with director Rian Johnson, appearing in “Brick,” “Looper,” “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” and the Knives Out series.
Since her time on “3rd Rock from the Sun,” Kristen Johnston has continued to act in various productions, with her comedic roles being particularly well-known. She’s appeared prominently on shows like “The Righteous Gemstones” and “The Exes,” and is set to star in a yet-to-be-titled Chuck Lorre sitcom for Netflix. Similarly, French Stewart has collaborated with Lorre, portraying Chief Rudy on the series “Mom.
Could 3rd Rock From The Sun get a sequel or reboot?
Bonnie and Terry Turner have become open to resurrecting the show “3rd Rock from the Sun,” following the success of “That ’90s Show.” Initially, the creators had been reluctant about producing a sequel for “That ’70s Show,” but Netflix managed to persuade them, leading to its creation. Now, with their newfound enthusiasm for revisiting classic series, they’ve developed some concepts for reviving “3rd Rock from the Sun.
During their trip to London to see John Lithgow, the Turners proposed a potential new storyline for “3rd Rock from the Sun” – having the show’s extraterrestrial characters visit England. At present, however, these plans are not yet being developed.
Since Netflix has renewed “That ’90s Show” for a second season, it seems that reviving “3rd Rock from the Sun” may not be the creators’ immediate priority. However, they haven’t ruled it out completely, so it could potentially happen in the future.
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2024-11-12 05:00