Plenty of T.V. series have spun off from movies – to varying levels of success. Sometimes, they completely eclipse the original creation (Buffy the Vampire Slayer). Other times, they’re barely remembered (Clueless). It’s hard even for experts to predict what will catch on and what won’t, but there are a few ideas that spring to mind…let’s just say they probably wouldn’t do too well.

But I’m sure someone has tried to pitch them at some point. I wonder what that would sound like?

2001: A Space Odyssey
I think the only possible angle to take with this would be “2001: The Monolith Tales.” We’d follow the Monlith’s journey around the universe, starting up fun new civilizations wherever it went. It would have an omniscient narrator’s voice – maybe Morgan Freeman, if he’s available – and it would explain its motives and just generally ruin all the obliqueness of A Space Odyssey. As if 2010 hadn’t already done that.

Frailty
This supernatural/religious thriller stars Matthew McConaughey, and is darker than a truckload of Goth kids. If you’ve seen it, you know what I’m talking about. It’s not a bad movie by any stretch of the imagination, but it would translate into the kind of T.V. series that could only contribute to clinical depression. Most of the story is told in flashback form, and it’s all about two kids and a single dad who is suddenly struck with divine inspiration. Convinced that he can see demons, he tells his sons that they must hunt down these demons – who appear on earth in human form – and destroy them. Son #2 falls completely under his spell, but Son #1 retains his common sense and is disgusted at their actions. (SPOILERS AHEAD!) The T.V. series would basically consist of Matthew McConaughey hunting down demons and punishing them for their sins. It could be a new one every episode.

Actually, that sounds like an awesome show.

American Beauty
Pretentious characters, lots of slow motion, people having weird epiphanies, a crazy parental figure, and bizarre dream/fantasy sequences…

Oh wait, this became Six Feet Under. Touché, Alan Ball.

Popularity: 2% [?]