Why Y: The Last Man Deserves Another Chance
Based on a DC Comic series of the same name (Written by Brian K. Vaughan and illustrated by Pia Guerra and Jose Marzan Jr.), Y: The Last Man tells the story of a world plagued with a virus that kills all males carrying a Y chromosome, except for one. Yorick Brown, the last surviving male, and his pet capuchin monkey (Ampersand) navigate this new world with a secret agent protecting him (at the behest of his mother whom is now president of the United States), a scientist that may hold the cure for the virus, and a extremist group of women who believe his existence is a threat to their new world. This adaptation premiered in September 2021 and was cancelled by FX after only one season. I’m not sure if this show’s cancellation was due to a low amount of viewership or the network no longer believing in its profitability, but I think their decision was a huge mistake.
Y: The Last Man is not only a well written and well acted show but it is also one that forces viewers to really think about the nature of our world. What would the world look like if only women inhabited it? Would the world be kinder or more cruel? How would they cope with such a massive loss? Would women lift each other up or tear each other down? These questions, as well as many more, are what this show explores in such a unique way. Another aspect of this show worth praising is how well they handle the topic of transgender men. With everyone carrying a Y chromosome dead, life for transgender men has become difficult but also a bit more recognized. This show tackles their struggles as well as how they are received by others in this new world. On a positive note, there are many that recognize and accept them as men but there are others who attempt to persecute them for this; there are a group of women who believe all of the men dying was a clandestine sign and that any biological woman who would want to be a man is essentially a gender traitor. The world this show sets up is pretty interesting and offers some intriguing comparisons to our world today. The characters are grounded and the progression of events seem quite natural. Even the super-spy, secret agent bit seems realistic. It was quite disheartening to hear this show was cancelled. Although show runner Eliza Clark tried to find a new home for this truly one of a kind property, sadly she came up short. As of now, the show is officially dead with no hopes of a season 2 on the horizon. Y: The Last Man is a truly unique show that asks tough questions, gives interesting answers, and develops characters that have incredible arcs! I believe this show is well worth saving and, although it’s basically dead, hopefully a streaming service picks it up or someone decides to adapt it into a two part film.
If you haven’t already, please watch the only season of this show on Hulu. It is worth it! Oh, and as a side note, another one of Brian K. Vaughan’s graphic novels, Papergirls, was also adapted into a series on Amazon Prime and cancelled after one season… Executives of Hollywood: STOP CANCELLING ADAPTATIONS OF THIS MAN’S WORK! It’s not because you’re “not getting enough viewers”, it’s because you don’t believe in the profitability of female empowerment and female leads.
