How do you feel about Dick Wolf's use of crossover episodes, such as the upcoming 'FBI' and 'CIA' event, to build a shared television universe?
Expanding Universes: The Rise of the TV Crossover Episode
Dick Wolf has revolutionized broadcast television by utilizing the crossover episode as a primary narrative tool to expand his massive TV universes. With the upcoming return of CBS's 'FBI' and 'CIA' on October 5, fans can expect high-stakes action as Agent Stuart Scola, played by John Boyd, moves into the 'FBI' universe and Nikki Reynard, played by Necar Zadegan, brings her expertise to 26 Fed. Showrunner Mike Weiss explains that these crossovers are designed to build a 'sturdier universe, brick by brick,' creating a shared history that makes the world feel more indestructible. While the concept of characters jumping between series has roots in older shows like 'I Love Lucy,' Wolf has perfected the art of cross-pollination within his 'Law & Order' and 'One Chicago' franchises. This technique allows for character development across different shows, as seen with actor Nick Gehlfuss, who transitioned from the 'Chicago' universe to 'CIA.' While many viewers love the interconnected storytelling, others may find the overlapping plots and expanding cast lists a bit overwhelming.
Options
- They make the shared universe feel more immersive and real.
- They add too much complexity to the individual series.
- I prefer each series to remain distinct and independent.
- They are great for bringing interesting characters across shows.