LEVERAGE: Dean Devlin on the Show's Uncertain Fate - Give Me My Remote : Give Me My Remote

LEVERAGE: Dean Devlin on the Show’s Uncertain Fate

December 10, 2012 by  

There are only three episodes left of LEVERAGE this season, but there’s a slightly bittersweet twist — because TNT has yet to make a decision about whether the show will return for a sixth season, these could be the final episodes of the series, too.

And with that uncertainty in play, the creative team behind the show decided to not take any chances: the final episode of the year, “The Long Good-bye Job,” is actually how they’ve always intended to end the series.

I spoke with executive producer Dean Devlin about choosing to air their series finale now, what fans can expect from these final episodes, if there might be life for these stories beyond the television series, and more…

How are you holding up with the uncertainty of LEVERAGE’s future?
Dean Devlin: We’ve had a remarkable run, and these next three episodes that are about to air are incredibly important to me. And I hope everybody’s going to watch them.

I assume there is no news from TNT about the show’s future since you wrote the letter explaining that the season finale could function as a series finale?
DD: No, nothing has changed.

Is that frustrating? The show is in its fifth season, you’re a couple of weeks away from a potential series finale, and you don’t know where you stand with the network…
DD: I don’t really look at it that way. First of all, to get five seasons of a show in today’s world is really rare. Right now I believe we’re the longest-running show on TNT. And TNT is in a very difficult situation: they have some amazing pilots they’ve developed and they need to see those pilots [before] they decide. It’s not like they can put us all on the air; they only have so many spots.

I know they’d like to do a season 6. But they have a lot of stuff to choose from. I wouldn’t want to be in their shoes; that’s a tough call for them to make. They have really big, exciting, bold pilots. So, I think until they look at them and test them and get their arms around it, I don’t think they can make a decision.

I’m impressed with how understanding you are.
DD: You know, they’ve been the best partners I’ve ever had in my life. They’ve supported the show from the beginning, both creatively, financially, they’ve done everything they can to do to embrace us and allow us to tell the stories the ways in which we want. So I have nothing I can complain about in the treatment we’ve got. To make 77 episodes, it’s remarkable. I don’t envy the position they’re in. I get how difficult it is.

But at the same time, we felt we had to make decisions based on what we know, and what we know is we get the rest of this year. So we thought maybe it’s time we do this ending we always planned on, just in case. Because if there isn’t [more], it would be such a shame for the show to just vanish without the proper conclusion we’ve been working on for five years.

That absolutely makes sense. At what point in the season did you guys decide to pull the trigger actually end the year with the episodes you planned to make the series finale?
DD: Even in the best case scenario, we figured there are only two, three seasons left anyway. No show goes beyond that. So we said, let’s start building towards that conclusion at the very start of the season. And then as we got about halfway through the year, we thought, we’re not getting any word, we know how difficult it is to get a season 6, maybe we better not take the chance. So instead of dropping in three or four episodes that were going to lead to the thing [ending the series], literally every single episode from that point forward we started dropping in elements that were going to be essential for the finale.

With all this uncertainty, have you given any thought about where the show would go beyond season 5? Or are you hedging your bets and living in the moment?
DD: I think there are a lot of ways it could go, but quite frankly, there’s too many unknowns to know. There are too many different things that could happen. So, we just felt like, we have to play the cards that have been dealt, we have to honor the people that have stuck with us for 77 episodes. We really need to conclude this properly. If we’re given the opportunity to go forward, it would be a challenge, but a challenge I would welcome.

If it moves forward, would it be a different kind of show? Perhaps have a different feel?
DD: I don’t know. Honestly, I know it sounds like I’m being coy, but the truth is I don’t know. I think if we got the call and said, let’s do it, we’d have to figure out how do they want to do it? Do they want to do another full season, another shortened season, a series of movies? I don’t know what they’d want to do. How many writers will I have lost at that point? Who’s coming back, who isn’t? There are so many things that have to be adjusted. But it’s a fantastic challenge. I love challenges like that. I think that’s what makes our business exciting, interesting, is trying to do the impossible all the time. But we really got to a point where it was like, we only know so much. So we have to do the right thing. And I feel like we did.

Yeah, of course. This season — at least from the outside looking in — has felt like there was a clear trajectory, which may end up being a little heartbreaking, but at least it’s an earned end.
DD: Look, any time there’s a series finale, there’s always fans who are angry, there are fans who love it. Just ask [SOPRANOS creator] David Chase. [Laughs] I hope we’re not as controversial. I hope at the end of this episode, people will feel like, “Wow. I get what the entire arc of the show is now. And this is exactly where it should have ended.” Because that’s how we feel.

On that note, what can you tease about these final episodes?
DD: Each episode this season that had an element that when you get to the end of the [finale] you’ll see, “Oh, I get why that was in those episodes.” The next one is directed by Marc Roskin, the episode after that is directed by Jonathan Frakes, and I directed the last one. The three of us have really been at the heart and soul of LEVERAGE from day one. So, each of us gets our chance to put our last touch on the show. For us, it was the exact way we wanted to go out.

What were the emotions on set as the show’s fate was really up in the air?
DD: It’s interesting, when you watch these next two episodes, they’re very much what we’ve come to love about LEVERAGE: they’re fun, they’re light, but they have some weight to them. The weight gets a little bit heavier by the end of the second episode.

And when we get to the third one, the finale, it’s not a typical LEVERAGE episode at all. It’s a very intense episode. It’s the darkest episode we’ve ever done. It’s the most powerful episode we’ve ever done. But we had to, because where this train has been going has been into this tunnel. It’s a very powerful show. It’s a different episode, but I think it’s the correct conclusion of all the things we’ve been building to.

I know some of the cast has been vocal on Twitter to try and rally support for for another season. Is there any hesitation about that, given that it would be natural to want to go out on top/the way you guys intended?
DD: Well, I’ll be honest: we’re trying to have our cake an eat it, too. We’re trying to do the right thing and end the show properly…but none of us want to get up from the table. We all are enjoying each other, we’re enjoying the show, there are a lot of stories we’d still like to tell. So we don’t feel like we’ve run out. We feel like we could produce a couple more seasons at a quality level that’s as good — if not better — than we’ve done before. So we’d love to have that opportunity.

But without knowing if we were going to get it, we thought, you know, you have to honor what we’ve been given by this really remarkable fandom. A fandom really none of us were expecting to encounter on this show — especially the actors. They’re really blown away by the support they’ve been getting. And me too, to be honest. I’m blown away by how involved in the show they are, how passionate they feel about our stories and our characters. So you have to pay that back at some point. And we felt that if we didn’t get the opportunity to do that and it just vanished, it would have been unjust. And if LEVERAGE is about anything, it’s about justice.

If this is it, is there anything you wish you had the chance to do that just never came up in these 77 episodes?
DD: Only these other stories we didn’t get to tell. You know, and maybe we’ll find another way to tell them if we can’t do the show. There are literally a pile of stories we just haven’t had the time to get to yet. And every year we go, “Are we going to do this one this year? Aw, we can’t, we have these other ones to get to.” There are still several dozen stories we’d like to tell. That’s my only regret.

That actually perfectly leads to my next question: if this is the end of the televisions series, do you see the story continuing on in some other medium, be it comics or something else?
DD: You know, we’re open to everything. That’s the lovely thing about owning the show and not having it owned by a studio — we could do anything. There’s no door we couldn’t walk through if we felt it was appropriate. And it’s been such a remarkable experience to make a show on a network without a studio being involved, and so it’s allowing us to look at it for what it is and also with a mind open for all the possibilities that could happen in the future.

Good to hear. If this is the end, is there a particular episode or group of episodes or season that you think you’ll look back on and go, “When I think of LEVERAGE, I’ll think of the show being like this”?
DD: That’s a great question, because so often I’ve tried to nail down, “Okay, my favorite episodes were these.” And then someone will be like, what about these other ones, and I’ll go, “Oh, yeah, those were great!” [Laughs]

And right now, just because of the emotion and power of it, the series finale is kind of my favorite episode. As brutal and as tough as it is, it felt like, yes, that’s the right ending to this story. But the next two episodes playing…the next one is in a winery and I love that episode. And the one after that, it has to do with toys at Christmas, which couldn’t be more delicious. Especially with Jonathan Frakes directing. So, I don’t know. Trying to pick is like trying to pick which child is your favorite…it’s just too tough.

The final three episodes of LEVERAGE air December 11th, 18th, and 25th on TNT at 10 PM.

Are you hoping to get a season 6, or are you resigned to this being the end?

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Comments

53 Responses to “LEVERAGE: Dean Devlin on the Show’s Uncertain Fate”

  1. Shelly on December 10th, 2012 8:09 pm

    I WANT MORE!!! Leverage is one of my very favorite shows, and I did not know it was in danger. I am grateful that Dean Devlin and crew are going to be able to close it out as they want, just in case, but I’m not ready. Please let there be more Hitter, Hacker, Grifter, Thief, and Mastermind!

  2. Trixie on December 10th, 2012 8:12 pm

    I love Leverage so much and it is just sad that the show is still in limbo with TNT. Dean is such a classy guy and doesn’t speak bad about the network, but it is still frustrating that they and we, the fans, don’t know anything about the future until now. But we are all rallying behind them and voting and voting for that PCA. It’s the best thing we, the fans, can give to the awesome cast and crew of the show.

  3. Jess on December 10th, 2012 8:31 pm

    I wish you guys will have a Season 6, why not give it to us? The actors, fans, and crew want it why not just give it to us.

  4. Ellen Zarnick on December 10th, 2012 8:34 pm

    Of course, I want more Leverage. Have watched the show since the very first episode. It’s been an amazing run and has led me to some great fan/friends. Have been voting like mad for the PCA. Hopefully, the cast and crew can come back and give us some more great television.

  5. Donna on December 10th, 2012 8:38 pm

    I want this show to continue, it’s the best show on tv and since Dean Devlin says they have more stories to tell…. I say Renew Leverage!!!!

  6. Jeannean Sword on December 10th, 2012 8:41 pm

    I definitely want a season 6 of Leverage! This article gave me goose bumps and almost made me cry. I think Dean Devlin is brilliant. He also is really a great guy and deeply cares about the show and the fans. I do not want this to be the end. The Leverage characters have become part of our family. The writers and directors are phenomenal. Christian Kane, Timothy Hutton, Beth Riesgraf, Aldis Hodge, and Gina Bellman are such an amazing cast. They have real chemistry. There is nothing they cannot do and do well. I hope TNT realizes they have magic here. That is something that you cannot buy.

  7. Dede on December 10th, 2012 8:43 pm

    I love Leverage. Have from the very beginning.. I will be incredibly sad to see it go. Even if we get a 6th or 7th or…10th season… I will be sad to not have these characters around anymore. My big beef is the way TNT is treating this incredible group of people, just let them know already so they can make plans.. it’s really unfair.. but I’m just a fan..what do I know?

  8. Gina on December 10th, 2012 8:44 pm

    I’ve been a fan since the pilot and I’m not ready for Leverage to be over! I’m not ready to say goodbye to the characters and I know the geniuses behind Leverage have many more great stories to tell.

  9. Andi Lau on December 10th, 2012 8:46 pm

    I can understand DD planning on ending Leverage the way he wants, BUT why does it have to end? CSI:NY is in its 8/9 season. CSI:Miami was in its 10th season. NCIS is in its 8/9 season. CSI is in its 11th season. Closer on TNT had 7 seasons. We hAd warning it was going to be the last year, but we have had no such warning with Leverage. As DD said there are many stories to produce. This awesome writers, crew and cast need to return for at least a season 6 if not more. I can’t stand reality shows and enough game shows. I want something with MEAT. Come on TNT lets steal another season or two! What a great Christmas present for fans and watchers.

  10. Joan on December 10th, 2012 9:04 pm

    One reason I started watching Leverage was because of Dean Devlin. I am a big fan of the Librarian movies. Everything he is a part of is wonderful. This interview just reaffirms my belief. I love Leverage, the cast has such wonderful chemistry and the show deserves many more seasons. The show has such a large, vocal fan base how can TNT even think of not renewing it. If there are no more seasons at least the fans will have closure. As a fan, the fact that the producers and directors of Leverage think enough of us to give us the ending we deserve is a wonderful feeling. I sincerely hope there is at least one more season of Leverage, but if not, thank you Dean Devlin, John Rogers and the cast for a wonderful ride.

  11. Nona Wallert on December 10th, 2012 9:35 pm

    I get and understand all DD had to say, but that doesn’t mean that I have to like it. Many have said that they will be sad to see Leverage go and I am no different. The “Team” has become part of my family and I will miss them dearly if TNT doesn’t renew them?

  12. ann ryce on December 10th, 2012 10:15 pm

    Leverage has fans WORLDWIDE and YES we want a s6 and 7,8, and so on! We have watched the characters grow for 5 yrs and it’s not fair for TNT to not renew it. We are not giving up or fading into the night! WE are going to fight and this includes finding another home for Leverage, no one involved in the show quit on their fans and we sure as HELL aren’t quitting them! We will win then the PCA for them and another season at least!!

  13. Beth Kredel on December 10th, 2012 10:28 pm

    I had just written a heart-wrenching comment about Leverage not being renewed and it got lost somewhere in cyberspace. In a nutshell: My father just died and losing Leverage only adds to my despair!

  14. Tina Terry on December 10th, 2012 10:36 pm

    Leverage is such an awesome show and deserves a renewal. This was a great article and almost made me cry. Dean Devlin is such a great guy. I am glad that he has at least made us an episode that will end it right if we do not get a season 6. But for the sake of the Dean, Christian, Gina, Beth, Aldis, Tim and the rest of the crew of Leverage PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE gives them a SEASON 6!!!

  15. kim on December 10th, 2012 10:59 pm

    WE NEED LEVERAGE!!!!!!! Best show on TV, and definitely the best show on TNT!. The only show I watch on TNT in fact. So much better than formulaic cop shows and ridiculous reality series. I want fun, emotions, friendship, family, things that I can watch with my family and not have to hide the little ones eyes. Leverage has a huge fan base and it would be foolish to ignore the demands of the fans. Give us our Season 6!!!

  16. Natalie on December 10th, 2012 11:04 pm

    I definitely want a Season 6 of Leverage. Leverage is tremendously well written. The ensemble of actors grow better and better as a working unit. With a show flying so high, with great characters, fantastic chemistry among the actors, new stories yet to tell, and an unusually committed fan base; it seems foolish and risky to let it slip away. New shows may do well, but can they sustain? Who knows? Leverage should be TNT”s anchor show that they know they can count on.

  17. lois on December 10th, 2012 11:17 pm

    while mr devlin is being a gentleman about TNT, we as loyal watchers are voting nonstop for the peoples choice, we’re sending letters to the network, and postcards, and some strange stuff(orange soda) so yes we do want at least another season

  18. Lisa on December 10th, 2012 11:35 pm

    We need to keep Leverage going. Its nice to see the bad guys lose. I love the cast and the chemistry they have. The writing is brilliant. Not renewing Leverage would be a travesty.

  19. EKS on December 11th, 2012 12:10 am

    Leverage is the only decent show left on television… if TNT doesn’t renew it, I’m just gonna give up on the television industry altogether. Nothing but crap reality TV anymore so why bother? And as down as Mr. Devlin seems to be in the last week I will say it again- it AIN’T over! TNT still hasn’t said anything and the fans will NOT give up! We have fought tooth and nail for MONTHS and we’ll continue for YEARS if we need to!!!!! Hope TNT can handle the pressure or lack of viewers as many are already boycotting them and more will if they cancel…

  20. cindy on December 11th, 2012 12:52 am

    I Love Leverage its my most favorite show in the world i have enjoyed and loved every Ep your all so amazing I really dont want it to end what would i do with out my leverage Im stiil hoping for a season 6 i love u guys 😉

  21. Lynne on December 11th, 2012 12:59 am

    I love Leverage, since the pilot I couldn’t get enough of this show! Instantly loved the characters! I know shows have to end sometime but I’m a Grifter, and I NEED a season 6!! 😉

  22. Sara on December 11th, 2012 2:27 am

    Dean Devlin is full of it, kissing TNT’s ass. The show has shown a steady decline in quality, as well as ratings, it’s time they make room for better shows on TNT.

  23. Michelle Renee on December 11th, 2012 3:08 am

    I’m hoping for a season six and maybe a seven. It would be nice to see Leverage hit that magic 100 episode. This series has been putting a smile on face every week for the past five years. Most think “Its just a TV show”, but it’s so much more. I have taken the time to become part of that involved fandom that Dean spoke of in the interview. The anticipation of each new season, getting to know the actors better and following their careers off the show, learning more about the making of the show itself, and the comradery between the other fans of the show. Not having that to look forward to is going to be sad. I can only keep my fingers crossed in hopes that TNT will make the right decision and brings Leverage back next year.

  24. Katharine Koch on December 11th, 2012 3:29 am

    Leverage also has many fans in Germany. We fight with all Kaniacs the world a sequel!! It would be something missing from the TV. It is a series to laugh, think, to join in the fight. Why break what is good. Continue to hear the Kaniacs and please with the crew.

  25. Ute Schmitz (@UteHSchmitz) on December 11th, 2012 3:45 am

    Thank you for this very touching interview. Thanks to Dean for the explanation about the reasons why TNT might not have renewed the show yet. It´s another point of view – I hadn´t seen it in this way by now.

    But as a fan, all I can say is that I love the show. I appreciate the hard work of everyone who´s bounded to this great show: cast & crew, writers & producers and so many more. Thank you for all you´ve done for us. Hopefully you can as much more 😉

  26. Kaz on December 11th, 2012 4:15 am

    I am not giving up just yet. I am greedy and I want MORE please. I love this show, the people and the stories. It has a bit of everything and I want to see more. Thinking it could be the end makes me feel very sad. It has such an active fan base and we will not stop until the very very very end.

  27. Dawn on December 11th, 2012 7:32 am

    I, for one (of many), hope this is not the real finale. There is so much heart in this show and the writers and actors bring that to our homes every week!
    How often do you get to watch the good guys win? There will never be another show like Leverage and I cannot believe TNT is holding out on renewing this show.
    That said, I want to ensure that Dean and the crew know how much Leverage has been appreciated in this house. It is a show that we can gather around the TV to watch and enjoy together and there are too few shows out there like this. The fanbase has become a second family to us and brought many new friends together!
    Let’s go steal a Season Six!!

  28. KonnyK. on December 11th, 2012 8:32 am

    A Season 6 would be really fantastic.I do not watch much TV but Leverage is a must!I like the different characters , their relationship and their “work”
    A big thanks to all who have made the show what it is and that includes not only the actors on camera but also the many people in the background

    The show must go on!!!

  29. Pam Pernot on December 11th, 2012 8:54 am

    Leverage is smart, funny, dramatic, wonderful. I do not understand why there should not be a Season Six. The show is nominated for a People’s Choice Award. The exposure is bound to increase the audience yet again. If TNT would stop making the show a moving target and give it a regular time slot so that we could all settle in to a viewing routine, maybe more people would find it and love it like so many of us do. BTW, who was the the genius who decided to schedule the Winter Season opener at the same time as the Dancing with the Stars finale? Not to sound like a conspiracy nut but it feels like TNT is trying to create an excuse not to renew. Hmmmm.

  30. Lauralee on December 11th, 2012 9:53 am

    Simply stated…I WANT SEASON 6 & 7 & 8…!! I am very demanding in wanting to watch my FAVORITE CABLE DRAMA SHOW!! I don’t do “serial police” shows, or those inane “reality” shows…why does TNT feel the need to remove one of the few shows I truely enjoy?!?!? Kane, Hutton, Hodge, Reisgraft, Bellman…yep need my weekly dose of Leverage!!

  31. Karen G on December 11th, 2012 12:59 pm

    I want several more seasons of Leverage!! It is by far the best series on TV and has the most amazing cast, producers, writers and directors. To me the question of not renewing is unthinkable. I will delete every Turner network from my cable line up if TNT does not renew Leverage.

  32. mary e brewer on December 11th, 2012 1:15 pm

    Favorite show on tv! want many more seasons.. a show that the whole family can watch! they aren’t many of those left on tv now a days … i really appreciate that!! LOVE MY LEVERAGE and will be watching the new episode TONITE TUES! on TNT 10/9 PM CT !!!!!!!!! hope you will be too! also voting in the PCA awards for them in best cable drama category! (voting ends Dec 13)

  33. Debby Mayabb on December 11th, 2012 1:31 pm

    TNT if I could, I with some other friends dressed up like Leverage characters would lay at your office doors, elevator operators, doorman, drivers, and any other folks you come into contact with on a daily basis. . This way you would truly need to listen to our pleas. Give us a Season 6 of Leverage!

  34. Paula Shannon on December 11th, 2012 2:17 pm

    Leverage is a great show and its definitely too soon to end it. I would think there would be some wiggle room in their schedule among the reruns of reruns they put in their line up. I’d really love another season. Nothing lasts forever but it’s too soon to end leverage.

  35. SL Brandon on December 11th, 2012 5:08 pm

    I sincerely am hoping for a Season 6 but if not I appreciate the work that has been done to end the show properly. I wish Mr. Devlin and the entire Cast and Crew the best in all future endeavors, whatever they may be, but really hope they will opt to do some films or something, anything that means we will see our favorite Team in the future. I will be watching until the very end regardless.

  36. darryl lewis on December 11th, 2012 7:23 pm

    BEST SHOW ON TV !! LEAVE IT ALONE !!!!!!!!!!!!!

  37. Bill C. on December 11th, 2012 8:19 pm

    Please don’t cancel Leverage, it’s one of my favorite shows and the best show on TNT. The characters are people you actually care about. Not many shows have that anymore. If Dean Devlin says that they have a couple more seasons left at the quality of what they are doing now why would you want to cancel it? I fail to see how any new series on TNT could come close to what Leverage already has established.

  38. Mel on December 11th, 2012 8:22 pm

    I just don’t get this hesitation to renew Leverage. It’s nominated for a people’s choice award and clearly has a great fan base that wants it to stay. Why cancel a popular show in favor of giving several new pilots a try, most of which will fail? Seems foolish to me.
    And I’m torn on this decision to air the intended finale this year. On one hand, I really do appreciate the closure, but if the show does get picked up for another season, I worry about the plot and characters. If this finale sees a character or two splitting off, the show may lose fans next year. Alternatively, if the writers wrote them back in, it would cheapen whatever emotional goodbye there was. And if this is the intended series finale, working off of 5 years of story, the next series finale may seem rushed. This is why I think it’s very unfair to keep the Leverage writers in the dark about the future of the show.

  39. Kelli on December 11th, 2012 8:41 pm

    There are SO FEW shows out there that actually have a great story line, or a story line at ALL for that matter, why would TNT have to think about bringing the show back. Its an awesome show with action, adventure and it shows that even people who used to do bad with their talents can do good with those same talents. This world needs more of that. KEEP LEVERAGE..like…FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!

  40. Andrea on December 11th, 2012 8:51 pm

    Ok, so TNT plans on jamming 12 rerun episodes of the mentalist down or throat every freakin’ day, but doesn’t want to renew Leverage?? Ridiculous, I say!! Can’t they keep leverage and cancel the mentalist!?! LEVERAGE is AWESOME!!!!

  41. Corey on December 11th, 2012 9:21 pm

    I`ve also been a fan since the pilot. Each episode fills my DVR. TNT used to be my favorite channel, but lately….ugh. 15 hrs straight of the mentalist? Seriously! What`s next reality TV? The people`s choice nomination should be the clincher. TNT doesn`t know drama, they know bad reruns. Back to FX I guess

  42. Laura on December 11th, 2012 9:53 pm

    Seriously, the network needs to think logically. Great shows=Fans, and Fans=Money, therefore, KEEP THE GREAT SHOWS! Leverage is one of THE greatest shows that’s ever aired, and has too many fans for the network to let it go! Bring it back for SEASON 6!

  43. Christie on December 11th, 2012 11:32 pm

    I WANT MORE LEVERAGE!! I want a season 6 period! These characters deserve a chance to be developed. I will stop watching TNT if they end Leverage period. I say if they end Leverage BOYCOTT and write in till we get it back

    We fans deserve the right to know the shows fate. Give us the answer of yes to season 6 NOW!

    I say we all should write in to TNT and let them know we want leverage season 6

  44. Jostine on December 12th, 2012 1:34 am

    Shout-out from the Philippines! (Yes — Leverage is that awesome that they managed stole Filipino fans!)

    I hope this won’t be the last season of Leverage…I really love the show since day 1! Every episode is a definite must-watch and I totally love everyone on the show…It will be really sad if they won’t get a new season…

    In any case, I just want to thank Dean Devlin, John Rogers, Chris Downey, Timothy Hutton, Gina Bellman, Beth Riesgraf, Christian Kane, Aldis Hodge, and every one in the Leverage team — for the gift of great entertainment! It’s no wonder that you have gained such a fandom! I’m looking forward to watching the last 3 episodes (hopefully for now).

    Cheers to the Leverage Team! Leverage will always be on my all-time favorite TV show list! =D

    NOW LET’S GO STEAL A SEASON 6!!! 😉

  45. Vena on December 12th, 2012 8:27 am

    Been watching Leverage since the beginning and it’s such a great show. Great writing, killer cast and great stories. I hope season 6 is commissioned.

    All the best and many thanks to the cast and crew who bring Leverage to life.

  46. Janet on December 12th, 2012 11:04 am

    Loyal Leverage fan here! Just like everyone else, I’ve watched this show repeatally since it first aired. It is a wonderful show with great, indepth charactors and the writers are top-notch!
    I just hope that TNT doesn’t read this stuff from Dean and make up their minds saying “well, since DD is ending the show, then TNT will end the show”.
    Just like McGyver, I hope that, when the show does end, that we get movies made showing life after the end of the series. Like, does Parker and Hardison get married and have kids? The same question with Mastermind and the Grifter. And what about Eliot and his love life? He just HAS to find someone that he can connect with.
    Dammit TNT! Don’t let it end this way!

  47. lori ulrich on December 12th, 2012 12:04 pm

    If TNT needs more hour on the network to play thier new shows, Why have a marathon of The Mentilist or Castle? It’s a shame TNT is even thinking of letting this show go. The writing is top notched as well as the acting. I will miss it if TNT desides to let it go, maybe a Leaverage Movie like the Libraiian.

  48. Holly on December 13th, 2012 5:28 am

    TNT canceled Men Of A Certain Age and they were nominated for the Emmys multiple times, even the year they were canceled. TNT could care less about any PCAs if the ratings are low and Leverage is their lowest-rated original TV show they have on at the moment. I doubt it will get renewed. I blame the writers, not TNT. If they had stronger scripts focusing on the character development more, and not only Parker’s, then people would want to tune in more. It’s the characters that draw you in in the end, not the plots and even those have been very weak in the last few seasons. I’d say only 5 or less episodes out of 15 have been good per season. That’s not enough for the audience to come back year after year. So you can thank John Rogers, Chris Downey and Dean Devlin for the possible cancellation and low ratings.

  49. Pat Taylor on December 14th, 2012 12:49 am

    How could you, Mr. Deavlin let it go to so late and not have a strategy for more episodes. What hurts the most is that you CHOSE CHRISTMAS NIGHT TO BE THE FINALE. Are you people out of your minds!! That is supposed to be a Happy day. Do we not have enough sadness and strife in everyday life that Christmas evening is the end of Leverage. I thank God that before I got sick I started buying the season dvds. At least I will have that. Quite frankly, Leverage is the only program I watch on TNT anymore. So if Leverage is removed, the channel TNT will not exist for me. I don’t watch programs frivolously, I get involved, like I am part of the team, and they become part of my family. It saddens me very much that such a fine, well tuned group of actors futures are hanging in the air. If you do end it on Christmas night, I will miss them all tremendously. As for the directors and producers, I feel betrayed. There is such a huge following for this show, and you say you have all these ideas, yet you are not even trying to talk to TNT about keeping it going. I feel like YOU Mr. Deavlin, is the one that is giving up. You have hordes of fans writing and voting and praying for Leverage to continue. The channel Cloo is good at picking up series and so is USA, maybe you should shop around a little and try to find another venue for such a wonderful series. Nate, Sophie, Eliot, Parker and Hardison, you all came together and clicked and made it work. I tip my hat to these fine actors. If it ends on Christmas night, God bless the 5 of you and good luck in your future endeavors.

  50. Carolyn Winkler on December 18th, 2012 12:18 pm

    Definitely agree with Dean–so many more stories to tell. They have something so special on Leverage. Talent, yes, but more than that an amazing synergy of all involved to create such amazing, original tv.
    Dean has not given up–he’s a veteran in this business and understands the position he (and the show) are in. He knows how to tactfully discuss these issues and answer the questions, keeping options open. He’s no less dedicated to the show than the actors or anyone else. I applaud his professionalism.
    I also agree with an earlier comment: Although I enjoy TNT’s airing shows such as The Mentalist and Bones, why fill every hour with these and end something so unique and entertaining as Leverage?
    The cast, producers, and writers as well as others on the Leverage crew have been so good to fans, interacting with us through social media, making us part of the team. But then, I’m a Kaniac, so I know what it’s like to be part of a large, well-oiled team!
    So, TNT, thanks to Dean’s comments, we better understand your dilemma. But for me and the many, many Kaniacs & Leverage fans around the world, please don’t let this go…not yet. Please give us Season 6!

  51. James on January 11th, 2013 8:33 pm

    We want more! Please.

  52. James Malpass on January 11th, 2013 8:36 pm

    I have not already submitted this.

  53. James Malpass on January 11th, 2013 8:39 pm

    Please keep this going. My wife and I love this show and host weekly house parties. We have also hosted theme parties for this series. Please do not cancel this great series!