Sophomore Slump: Terrible Season Twos

The NBC show was a critical success, but it wasn't flawless. The show suffered from a bout of the sophomore slump, with storylines that left fans more than unsatisfied. (A murder plot? Really?!) Still, the rest of the beloved series served as a much-needed antidote to its Season 2 blues. Coach Taylor can kick back from anything.

Like everything Joss Whedon touches, Fox’s ‘Dollhouse’ enjoyed a cult-like following. But not even rabid fans could save the show, which was canceled after ratings dipped during Season 2. Critical response was mixed, with many suggesting the series had become jumbled and pretentious. No one can replace Buffy, Joss. At least you still have ‘The Avengers.’

What started out as an amazingly campy-but-quality look at high school nerdery quickly turned into a straight-up PSA/after school special in Season 2: I mean, can we just TALK about that terrible “don't underage drink!” episode and everything about it? Rachel kissing Blaine, Will's drunk dial. The assembly performance! I can't stop cringing! Plus, fans the Fox show found themselves impatient with the music industry’s attempt to use it to promote high-profile acts with star-studded cameos. (Ahem, Britney.) Combine that with hokey storylines that were not properly developed and you have on your hands a full-on Monet.

Man, that first incredible season flew as high as a Petrelli brother. But expectations going into the second season of the NBC series were so high, fans had no choice but to cry foul over awkward product placement, Claire and West’s cheesy ‘Superman’ throwback, and Mohinder’s continued existence. Even creator Tim Kring thought the series veered in the wrong direction. You can't kill the cheerleader but you CAN kill a dying show.

The AMC series’ first season was as addictive as it was interesting and as smart as it was engaging. But once Season 2 premiered chock full of hidden details and fake red herrings, viewers found it difficult to emphasize or care about just who did kill Rosie Larsen. Ultimately, ‘The Killing’ was canceled, proving Rosie wasn’t the only one dead on Season 2’s arrival.

VH1's foray into scripted content wasn't great at the start, but when Season 2 began without the series’ only notable star, ‘Clueless’ actress Stacey Dash, fans were even more wary of the show. From there, ratings plummeted. Always a bridesmaid, ladies.

A remake of the 1983 miniseries, ABC’s ‘V’ had all the trappings of a small-screen epic: science fiction, an impressive production, sinister motives. After controversy sprung up surrounding the show's alleged Obama Presidency allegory — and the show’s characters wore thin — it's no surprise the show was canned.

The AMC’s series’ first season was so strong, expectations were high for Season 2. Unfortunately, the show's storylines felt more soap opera than post-apocalyptic drama. But, you know, with zombies! Plus, the series’ pace was slower than a legless zombie (which is very slow), so here's hoping Season 3 fixes the issues that plagued it during its terrible twos.

You know a show’s on a downward trajectory when even the show's creator says he regrets the season. Season 2 of the ABC series received a lot of negative reviews — mostly because the storylines felt a bit too separate. Wisteria Lane wasn't looking so idyllic then.