What we hope to see in the new Halloween TV series

Despite the lackluster response from the horror community to the recent Halloween trilogy directed by David Gordon Green, Michael Myers isn't staying dead for long. Miramax recently acquired the TV rights to the series. Fans of the franchise should see this as positive because there's plenty of potential to expand the universe beyond just the tired Laurie Strode v. Michael Myers saga. Though it's unclear when the TV series will be released, or where it'll stream, Miramax recently confirmed they plan to "fast track" the process and move on the series ASAP. Don't be surprised if it's ready to go by say, Halloween 2025.

Though a creative team isn't in place yet, it's also been confirmed that the TV series will return to the franchise's roots, specifically John Carpenter's 1978 film, essentially ignoring all of the sequels and various convoluted timelines. This is probably the best approach because it will simplify the universe and forget about some of the horrid sequels. Halloween 5 and Halloween Kills anyone? Still, as someone who likes more of the Halloween films than not, I'm excited about the potential for a TV universe. Here's some of what we hope to see.

Characters who aren't named Michael or Laurie

Of course, Michael Myers will appear in this TV series. Why wouldn't he? He's the cash cow. However, the creation of a TV universe allows for new characters. It's likely we'll be introduced to other teenagers from Haddonfield High who aren't named Laurie Strode, or some of her closest friends like Annie and Lynda, both of who were killed in Carpenter's original film.

At this point, the Laurie Strode arc has run its course, and if she appears in this TV series, likely recast, let's hope it's in a more limited capacity. Yes, I know that may irk some Halloween fans. But the TV series can inject fresh ideas into the franchise through new characters. Furthermore, a TV series is a different format of storytelling. The episodes will give enough breathing room and time to allow viewers to really get to know the new faces.

Michael's time in the insane asylum

There's no word yet on when exactly the TV series will take place, but there's definitely the likelihood there will be flashbacks. In the original film, through Dr. Loomis' (Donald Pleasence) chilling monologues, we learn that Michael spent several years in an asylum after he murdered his older sister, Judith. He escapes from Smith's Grove Sanitarium fairly early in the film and drives away.

The TV series can easily focus an episode or two on his time in the asylum. This does have to be handled carefully. Part of Michael's allure in that first film is that he's a blank slate. We can project our fears onto his white mask. Rob Zombie tried to fill in the gaps in his 2007 film Halloween, and it was to the detriment of the character. Sometimes, less is better. Still, an episode or two in the insane asylum offers the opportunity for some serious scares.

A chance to round out other characters from the initial film

Because we already know this film will focus solely on the universe from the first film, it's likely some of those characters will be part of the TV show. I'd personally like to see a focus on Michael's sister, Judith. She's in the first film during the opening sequence, but we know little about her. The TV series can remedy that and potentially introduce different characters that are her friends. Of course, this would involve an episode or two going back in time, to when Michael was a child, before he murdered Judith. Additionally, though Annie's father, Sheriff Brackett, has appeared in some of the sequels and reboots, he's another character I'd like to see. If the TV series begins with his daughter already dead, there's real potential to explore a parent's grief.

Other characters to explore more are Tommy and Lindsey, the kids Laurie babysits. They do appear as adults in Green's sequels/reboots, but their character arcs were far, far too flat. This is a chance for a do-over. Those characters are fan favorites and deserve a little justice after the latest trilogy's lackluster attempts to weave them back into the universe.

Haddonfield as a character

To his credit, with Halloween Kills, Green did try to mold Haddonfield into a character, exploring how fear and trauma could overtake a community, thus turning its citizens into a ravenous and bloodthirsty mob. However, the execution was poor. "Evil dies tonight" was utterly cringe worthy. It's likely the town of Haddonfield will become more of a character in this TV universe, and I'm all for it. That's one aspect the entire franchise lacked. Haddonfield never felt quite as distinctive as say, Camp Crystal Lake. Now there's a chance to remedy that.

Cameos from fan favorites

Finally, because Halloween has such a diehard fan base, it's likely we'll see cameos from series mainstays and fan favorites. Maybe Jamie Lee Curtis will make an appearance or two. I'd also like to see actors who played the Shape, including Nick Castle from the 78 film and James Jude Courtney from the last trilogy, appear in an episode or two. They've been very loyal to the franchise and remain staples at horror conventions. Danielle Harris is another option. She appeared in Zombie's remakes as Annie and Halloween 4 and 5 as Michael's niece, Jamie. She's also been quite dedicated to the franchise.

The last trilogy certainly divided the Halloween fan base. Having some cool cameos by series' mainstays is a way to earn back the trust, though at the end of the day, the story matters most. Let's hope the TV series gets it right and offers an interesting reboot, while remaining faithful to Carpenter's initial film.