Matt Roush’s Mailbag: White Lotus Finale Fallout, ABC’s Struggles, and What’s Really Going on With NCIS: Origins
Welcome to another edition of Ask Matt, the column where veteran TV critic Matt Roush answers your most pressing questions about the ever-changing world of television. Whether you’re cheering a finale, mourning a cancellation, or scratching your head over a new spinoff, Matt’s got insight — and maybe even a little therapy — to help make sense of it all.
Let’s dive into this week’s big topics: a polarizing White Lotus finale, dwindling network schedules, the growing pains of NCIS: Origins, and more.
The White Lotus Finale: Class, Irony, and a Poisoned Blender
Comment: The finale of The White Lotus Season 3 surprised me — not just with who ended up dead, but with how perfectly it stayed true to the show’s recurring theme: the privileged always find their way back to comfort, no matter how far they stray. I was relieved Lochlan survived; he’s the only real innocent in his family. And the twist with Belinda becoming what she once despised? Brutal. — D.P.
Matt Roush: I couldn’t agree more. The White Lotus continues to thrive as both a biting social satire and a haunting mystery. While each season pivots to a new location and cast, the central message remains: wealth insulates, and the illusion of progress can crumble the moment discomfort creeps in. The poisoned blender was a literal ticking time bomb, and the tension it created was textbook Mike White. This season may not have been my favorite, but its tragic ironies — from Rick’s shocking reveal to Belinda’s betrayal — left a lasting sting. I’m already packing my bags for the next destination.
ABC’s Shrinking Slate: What Happened to Scripted TV?
Question: ABC feels like a shell of its former self — it’s packed with game shows, reruns, and barely any new scripted series. Why is the network pulling back so much? And is there any hope for a revival — or even a buyer? — Evan J.
Matt Roush: You’re right — ABC’s schedule these days resembles The CW more than a legacy broadcast network. And it’s not just ABC. FOX, too, is running on fumes with only a couple nights of scripted content. Disney has been shifting its priorities toward streaming, with Hulu shows like Only Murders in the Building and Under the Bridge now airing on ABC to fill the gaps. This programming shift is less about cost-cutting than a larger industry trend: traditional networks are no longer the first choice for premium storytelling. As for a buyer? There’s no official movement yet, but industry speculation continues. The once-iconic “must-see TV” era feels more distant than ever.
NCIS: Origins — More Franks Than Gibbs?
Question: I thought NCIS: Origins was about young Gibbs. Why does it seem like Mike Franks is the real lead? — Ken
Matt Roush: It’s a fair observation. Franks, played by Kyle Schmid, is definitely stealing scenes — and maybe even some narrative focus — from Austin Stowell’s young Gibbs. But that’s not necessarily a flaw. Early in their partnership, Gibbs is still learning the ropes, often serving as our eyes into a world dominated by more seasoned characters. Franks is larger than life and currently more dynamic. I expect a shift as the season progresses, but for now, this version of Origins is about mentorship, not just Gibbs’ journey alone.
Too Dark, Too Slow: Trouble in NCIS: Origins Paradise?
Comment: I’ve watched all the NCIS shows — even Sydney — but I’m about ready to quit Origins. It’s so dark, both visually and in tone. Fifteen episodes in, and I’m still not hooked. — Joan D.
Matt Roush: That’s a common concern. Origins is deliberately more somber and stylized, likely in an effort to differentiate itself from its procedural siblings. For critics, this more reflective tone can feel refreshing. But for longtime fans expecting a familiar formula — snappy pacing, sharp banter, and straightforward storytelling — Origins may come across as slow and heavy. The creative team has taken a risk, but risks always walk the line between innovation and alienation.
Is NCIS: Los Angeles Secretly Staging a Comeback?
Question: With LL Cool J popping up in NCIS and a young Lara Macy appearing in Origins, are we witnessing a soft reboot of NCIS: Los Angeles? — Maria
Matt Roush: It’s more of a tribute than a reboot. Sam Hanna’s return (played by LL Cool J) is a fun crossover moment and a nod to fans, not a launchpad for a revival. Likewise, Macy’s appearance in Origins helps stitch the franchise’s timeline together. These callbacks remind viewers that the NCIS universe is deeply interconnected, and as long as fans continue to respond, we’ll likely see more legacy characters sprinkled into new stories.
That Chicago Crossover Was Fire — Literally
Comment: I just watched the Chicago Fire/Chicago Med/Chicago P.D. crossover and wow — it felt like a blockbuster. Emmy voters better not sleep on this one. — Carole, Nevada
Matt Roush: NBC was smart to rebroadcast that three-hour crossover. It was high-stakes, emotionally charged, and technically impressive — basically everything you’d want from event television. That said, don’t hold your breath for major awards. Network procedurals rarely get recognition outside of technical categories these days, no matter how excellent they are. But for fans? It was unforgettable.
Why Is Matlock So Blue?
Question: I love the Matlock reboot, but I can’t stop noticing how everything is blue. The costumes, the sets — it’s like a sea of teal. Is this a creative choice or just a coincidence? — Daryl
Matt Roush: It’s definitely intentional. Blue — particularly teal — is often favored by cinematographers because it’s visually pleasing and works well with skin tones. It also evokes a sense of calm and elegance, which suits Matlock‘s polished courtroom vibe. Once you notice it, though, it’s hard to unsee. Consider it the show’s unofficial color palette.
That’s it for this week! Got a burning TV question, rant, or rave? Send it to Matt at [email protected] and be part of the next column. Whether you’re still loyal to broadcast TV or deep in your streaming queue, Matt’s here to guide you through the ever-shifting TV landscape — with empathy, insight, and a healthy dose of honesty.
