Reports have come out that the boxing drama on the FX channel, “Lights Out”, will be canceled after the run of its first season is complete. The series had not been doing very well in the ratings department, and of course, it’s the bottom line that matters most when it comes to these decisions. The show debuted with about 1.5 million viewers, and it slid further from there. It’s disappointing news for boxing fans however, who have been plenty used to seeing boxing play out on the big screen, but haven’t gotten many chances to see an extended story such as this play out as a television series.
The show certainly had its compelling moments, and was largely true to the fight game. It may have been a bit cliche however. The characters at times seemed to have been taken from an exact cutout of “characters in the boxing world”. The shady promoter in the mold of Don King. The aged champion in financial trouble looking to return to the ring and seize back his glory. The negative influences and criminals around him. Two different variations of the tough-as-nails trainer. And on down the line.
Still, Lights Out was a worthwhile watch, and featured strong acting and a good cast all-around. It will be disappointing to see it go. There are two more episodes remaining to be aired in the first season. Let’s hope that wraps up the existing storyline sufficiently – as opposed to ending with a cliffhanger – so at least everything can be wrapped up. The finale will air on April 5th.
