FOX’s Kobiyashi

This morning I noticed something.

Here’s FOX’s 2016-2017 schedule.

Sleepy Hollow isn’t returning until the middle of the season. (From what I can remember, that’s when…? January?)

Although upset over Abbie’s elimination, I’ve been thinking. Last night, I came up with what I think is an appropriate analogy.

In my opinion, this season’s finale was Sleepy Hollow ’s Kobiyashi Maru.

For those of you who don’t know Star Trek, give me a minute. In the Star Trek universe, the Kobiyashi Maru is a test that Outer-Space Explorer School Startfleet Cadets have to take in their journey to graduate from Space Explorer Camp the Academy.

I’ve read a definition that says the Kobiyashi Maru exists to test a cadet’s character.

However, I’m not referring to it that way.

I’m speaking of something every Trekkie knows:

The Kobiyashi is a no-win scenario.

Now then. Get your head out of Star Trek and step into Sleepy Hollow.

I wish everyone involved good luck, and there’s a side of me that has faith in the show’s original team. But they need to know that my wishes are conditional: I do not see Sleepy Hollow succeeding without Abbie.

Fans’ and critics’ reactions have made things crystal clear. Talking about this elsewhere, I once said, “They can’t make things any worse.” That wasn’t a complaint, but a statement of fact.

In my most positive moments, something inside keeps saying,”They can’t make Sleepy Hollow without Abbie, and they won’t.” But I don’t hold the keys to this show’s destiny.

Ultimately,  I’m convinced that the only way for Sleepy Hollow to improve is through a complete change of course. Season 4’s scheduled appearance gives them time to make corrections.

I’m going to watch and see how things unfold.