What Television Series Has an Ending Song That Sounds the Most Different from the Intro Song While Still Being the Same Song?
The art of television series lies in creating a narrative that captivates audiences from the start to the finish. This often involves the use of music to set the mood and tone of each episode. Sometimes, the ending song can provide a completely different experience and even tell a different story from the intro song. Here, we explore three fascinating examples of television series where the ending and introduction songs are versions of the same piece, but they sound worlds apart.
The WKRP in Cincinnati (h2WKRP in Cincinnati/h2)
The iconic television series WKRP in Cincinnati is known for its distinctive opening and closing songs that set the scene for the show's comedic and heartfelt narratives. The intro song often sets the tone and hints at the quirky and romantic nature of the central character's storyline.
The closing music, on the other hand, is a robust rock piece. However, the creator, Simon May, mentioned that he had no lyrics for the closing music. Instead of leaving it incomplete, he performed filler lyrics to present it. In an interview, Simon May stated, ""I played it to them. They said, 'Well, do you think you can come up with some lyrics?' And I said, 'Do you mind if I just leave it as it is? We can tell the story without any lyrics if you would just let us leave it as it is.' They said, 'Okay, fine.'"" This unique approach creates a fitting conclusion to the series' episodes without taking away from its catchy and memorable melody.
Howard's Way (h2Howards Way/h2)
The BBC television series Howards Way presents a charming example of how the same song can be reimagined for different moods. Each episode of this series begins with a slow, serene version of the opening theme by Simon May. However, the finale of most episodes is a more energetic and danceable rendition of the same tune. This transition reflects the emotional and narrative journey of the characters throughout the episode.
Interestingly, in later series, each episode ends with another slow version, but now with vocals by Marti Webb. Webb transformed the pleasant and gentle TV theme into a song called "Almost There," making it a genuinely touching and beautiful experience. This heartfelt rendition further emphasizes the complexity of the series and the growth of the characters.
The Hulk SMASHES (h2The Hulk: 1978 Series/h2)
For the 1978 television series The Hulk, the theme song's transformation from the intro to the ending is a classic example of a complete auditory journey. The opening theme, filled with the electric power of rage and transformation, grabs the viewer's attention. In contrast, the closing theme is a more solemn and calming piece, reflecting the resolution and reflection at the end of each episode. Despite the stark difference in mood, both versions tell the story of inner strength and transformation, connecting the viewer to the character's journey.
The All in the Family (h2All in the Family/h2)
Another fascinating example is the early 1970s hit All in the Family. The series was known for its controversial and humorous portrayal of family life in the US. The opening and closing songs, "Those Were the Days" and "Remembering You," respectively, serve to bridge the narrative arc of the show. "Those Were the Days" sets the scene with a nostalgic and bittersweet tone, while "Remembering You" provides a more reflective and emotional conclusion, encapsulating the series' themes of family values and social commentary.
In conclusion, these television series demonstrate the versatility of music in storytelling. By reimagining the same song for different contexts, the creators of these series can effectively convey a range of emotions and cater to the changing narrative needs of each installment. Whether it's the rock-in-the-comic-yet-emotional WKRP in Cincinnati, the dynamic Hollywood romance of Howards Way, the raw and powerful transitions of the Hulk, or the splendid emotional depth of All in the Family, the use of musical renditions plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall experience of these beloved shows.