The one-two hit Marvel TV fans took when both Agent Carter was cancelled and Agents of SHIELD spinoff Most Wanted was dropped by ABC was a rough one. While we’ve had answers as to why Agent Carter came to a close, why Most Wanted was left behind was never discussed — but it turns out the reason was a simple one: It just wasn’t that good.
That’s the answer ABC’s Channing Dungey basically gave to the press in the wake of the network’s Television Critics Association summer tour panel (where she also discussed talks surrounding a potential live-action Star Wars series):
Most Wanted, ultimately at the end of the day, did not feel as strong as some of the other pilots that we shot. We talked about it with Marvel and we all came to an agreement that we want to figure out what the next show is that we do together, is something that we all feel is as creatively strong as it can be.
It’s not all that surprising, considering Marvel had already tried to get Most Wanted going several times before — if the latest attempt was just as weak, it’s easy to see why ABC would pass on the idea for what is likely the final time.
But despite that, Dungey said the pass doesn’t necessarily stop Marvel from trying to bring the adventures of Bobbi Morse and Lance Hunter elsewhere, nor does it affect future plans the network has to develop more Marvel shows (like the rumoured Damage Control comedy series):
[Most Wanted] was a joint partnership between Marvel and ABC Studios. We certainly are open if they were to find another home for it to have that happen.
We’re looking at a number of different things. Some of them are projects that we’ve worked on before and others are totally new ideas and IP.
So yes, there’ll be more from Marvel and ABC in the future — it just won’t be Most Wanted. At this point, that’s probably for the best.
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