“Three’s Company” was an iconic sitcom that had audiences laughing from 1977 to 1984. But while the show is beloved by many for its humor and the chemistry between its main characters, one thing that’s always been talked about is the unsatisfying conclusion to some of the beloved roles, particularly the character of Janet Wood, played by Joyce DeWitt.

For years, fans have wondered why certain characters seemed to get the short end of the stick when it came to their storylines. Janet, a mainstay throughout the show’s entire run, was a character who never seemed to get the resolution she deserved. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into what Joyce DeWitt herself has said about Janet’s unsatisfying ending and what it meant for the series overall.

The Legacy of “Three’s Company”

Before we dive into Janet’s conclusion, let’s first reflect on why “Three’s Company” remains such an iconic show.

The series was a cultural phenomenon in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It revolved around three roommates – Jack Tripper (John Ritter), Janet Wood (Joyce DeWitt), and Chrissy Snow (Suzanne Somers) – who lived together in Santa Monica, California. The plot revolved around humorous misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and lots of physical comedy.

Yet beneath the slapstick humor, each character had their own distinctive personality and a story arc that evolved over time. Janet, who was often seen as the sensible one, had her own moments of vulnerability, making her character one of the more grounded and relatable ones on the show. However, when the show ended in 1984, Janet’s character was left with an unclear future.

The Disappointing End for Janet Wood

The Final Season: A Turning Point for Janet

By the time the final season of “Three’s Company” came around, Janet had undergone significant changes. She had gone from a quirky, fun-loving woman to someone more serious and mature. Janet was also romantically involved with her long-time boyfriend, Phillip Dawson (played by David Bellamy), and there was hope for their future.

However, when the series came to an end, fans were left scratching their heads. Unlike her two roommates, Janet was not given a clear, fulfilling conclusion. Her storyline was abruptly cut off, leaving viewers questioning whether her character had truly evolved or if she was just left behind.

Joyce DeWitt Speaks Out About Janet’s Conclusion

Recently, Joyce DeWitt, who portrayed Janet, opened up about her thoughts on her character’s unsatisfying ending. In a candid interview, she explained that she was disappointed with how the writers handled her character’s storyline.

“I didn’t feel that Janet had the kind of closure that she deserved,” DeWitt confessed. “It was like she was just left hanging there, and that wasn’t fair to the character or the audience.”

DeWitt went on to explain that, for her, Janet’s character had so much potential for growth that it felt wrong not to give her a stronger conclusion. Fans were left wondering: Was there more to Janet’s story? Was she meant to take on a more prominent role in the finale? The answer, according to DeWitt, is that there were many things left unresolved.

The Impact of Janet’s Ending on the Show

While “Three’s Company” had an overall happy and entertaining conclusion, Janet’s character was a glaring exception. This left fans with mixed feelings about the finale. Some felt that the lack of resolution for Janet was a disservice to both the character and the loyal viewers who had followed her journey for years.

A Missed Opportunity for Character Development

The biggest issue that many fans and DeWitt herself found with Janet’s ending was the missed opportunity for character development. Janet had gone through so much, from being the sensible roommate to becoming an empowered woman who was ready to settle down. She was on the verge of moving forward in her life, but the final season did not fully address what would come next for her.

Had Janet been given more screen time and a more detailed storyline in the final episodes, it would have allowed her character to shine in a way that felt deserved. Instead, her character was left in limbo, leaving fans with more questions than answers.

What Could Have Been: Alternative Endings for Janet

It’s easy to look back and imagine how the writers could have given Janet a more satisfying conclusion. What if Janet had gotten a spin-off show, or at least a more thorough resolution to her relationship with Phillip? What if we had seen Janet start her own business or move to a new city, continuing her growth as an independent woman?

These “what ifs” are what keep many fans talking about Janet’s unsatisfying conclusion. The character had so much potential, and her fans will always wonder what could have been if the writers had taken a different direction.

The Lasting Legacy of Janet Wood

Despite the unsatisfying conclusion to her story arc, Janet Wood remains one of the most beloved characters from “Three’s Company.” Her strong personality, her loyalty to her friends, and her role as a steadying influence in the often chaotic world of Jack and Chrissy made her a fan favorite. Even though her story didn’t end in the most satisfying way, Janet still has a special place in the hearts of “Three’s Company” fans.

Why Janet’s Ending Matters to Fans

For many fans, Janet’s ending symbolizes how certain TV characters, especially women, are often given less attention and resolution in the media. Janet’s storyline is a reminder of how important it is to give characters the attention they deserve, especially when they’ve been a part of the show for so long.

Janet’s unresolved fate left a gap, not just in the show, but in how we, as viewers, expect to see our favorite characters grow and evolve. It’s a point that resonates with many TV fans who feel that characters should be given proper closure, especially when they’ve been central to the story.

Could Janet Have Had a Happier Ending?

Let’s imagine for a moment that Janet had been given a more fulfilling ending. Would it have changed the trajectory of the show’s legacy? Could it have paved the way for a continuation of the “Three’s Company” universe?

The answer is likely yes. Janet’s character had the depth and strength to carry her own storyline, and with the right resolution, she could have continued to thrive in fans’ hearts long after the show ended.

The Importance of Strong Character Arcs in TV Shows

Janet’s conclusion highlights a key issue in TV storytelling: the need for strong, complete character arcs. A well-rounded arc allows characters to evolve in ways that feel natural and satisfying to the audience. When these arcs are cut short or left unresolved, it can leave viewers feeling unsatisfied, no matter how good the show is overall.

The Show’s Impact Beyond the Final Episode

Even with its shortcomings, “Three’s Company” left a huge impact on television. The series introduced viewers to a unique blend of humor, physical comedy, and character-driven stories. Janet, despite her unsatisfying ending, was a key part of this legacy. Her character’s presence on the show continues to influence how we think about sitcoms and the importance of giving characters the growth they deserve.

Conclusion: The Unresolved Fate of Janet Wood

In conclusion, the lack of closure for Janet Wood remains one of the most talked-about aspects of the “Three’s Company” series finale. Joyce DeWitt, in her reflection on her character, expressed disappointment over how Janet’s story was left unfinished. The character had so much potential for growth, and the missed opportunity for a more satisfying conclusion continues to resonate with fans.

While the show itself remains a classic, Janet’s unsatisfying ending serves as a reminder of the importance of giving TV characters the closure they deserve. For fans who have followed Janet’s journey from the very beginning, it’s hard not to wonder what could have been.

FAQs

1. Why was Janet Wood’s character’s ending unsatisfying?

Janet’s character was left with an unresolved storyline, with no clear future path. Despite her growth throughout the series, her character was not given a satisfying conclusion in the final episodes, leaving fans with more questions than answers.

2. What did Joyce DeWitt say about Janet’s ending?

Joyce DeWitt expressed disappointment about how her character’s story was handled. She felt that Janet deserved a stronger conclusion and closure, especially given the character’s development throughout the show.

3. Could Janet have had a spin-off show?

Many fans believe that Janet Wood could have had a successful spin-off show, given her strong personality and character development. This would have allowed for more in-depth exploration of her future.