New Year’s Resolutions: Prodigal Son needs to keep doing something different

Prodigal Son returns from winter break on Jan. 20. We look ahead at the things to come with its New Year’s Resolution to make for the year.

We all know Prodigal Son is one of the greatest new shows of 2019. In fact, it’s probably the best, and it all comes down to one thing. Okay, so multiple things working together but there’s one thing that makes the series stand out in the drama. And that one thing is something the show needs to keep doing.

So, as we get ready for the show’s return on Jan. 20, let’s get into the New Year’s Resolution it should make—more like, should have already made.

The show: Prodigal Son

The resolution: Keep doing something different

Why it needs to be made: In the majority of cases, you’ll be able to guess a storyline. You’ll know who the killer will be and who the red herring is. Then there are the cliche storylines involving the characters, such as hidden pasts, quirky parents, and connections to each other.

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Prodigal Son certainly has some of them. We have Malcolm who is the son of a renowned serial killer and a narcissistic mother. Gil has a direct connection to Malcolm through his beat days. And then Dani and JT instantly dislike Malcolm, finding him strange and dangerous.

But when you actually look at these storylines, you’ll notice that they’re not quite the cliches you initially think. That’s especially the case when it comes to Malcolm. His past isn’t just a secret; it’s something he’s repressed and forgotten about. He needs to figure out the past just as much as everyone else, offering a new layer of storytelling.

Gil isn’t just someone who feels like he needs to protect Malcolm. There’s a part of him that respects Malcolm for his brain, needing him to help solve a few crimes.

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However, there is the danger of falling into the trap of obvious cliches and storylines. This is happening with the female FBI agent who has a strong dislike (maybe even hatred?) for Malcolm. She’s immediately come in to push him out while also trying to turn Dani against him.

And this is the least exciting storyline currently going on. While it will help to offer more development for Dani (a previous New Year’s Resolution I had for Prodigal Son), it’s an easy-to-guess storyline. I hope the writers stand out by surprising me. Flip the trope on the head and give me something new.

Prodigal Son has the possibility of being something that will build a cult following. It has the chance to be expressive and shocking, but not for the sake of it. The ability is in the flipping of the cliches, of turning on the tropes. Be different. Dare to be bold and stand out. Give me something refreshing.

I’m already hooked. Now Prodigal Son needs to keep me.

What would you like to see happen in Prodigal Son? What do you think it needs to do to stand out? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Prodigal Son returns on Jan. 20 at 9/8c on FOX.