Stephen King’s Dark Tower series is more than just a saga—it’s a phenomenon that has left fans both captivated and infuriated. But here’s where it gets controversial: one of the most polarizing moments in the entire series is the agonizing cliffhanger at the end of The Waste Lands, the third book, which left readers hanging for six long years. Imagine this: the protagonists are trapped inside a sentient, malevolent train named Blaine, who threatens to derail unless they outsmart it in a game of riddles. And then—nothing. The book ends without resolving the fate of the characters, leaving fans in a state of utter frustration. And this is the part most people miss: King didn’t just leave them hanging; he doubled down on the cliffhanger, insisting it was beyond his control, dictated by the mysterious force he called Ka—the series’ concept of destiny. Was it a bold artistic choice or a frustrating misstep? Fans were divided.
King’s spiritual connection to The Dark Tower is no secret. In his introductions and afterwords, he often described the series as something that flowed through him, almost effortlessly, in ways his other works did not. This led to unconventional decisions, like dedicating the fourth book, Wizard and Glass, to a 500-page flashback of Roland’s childhood. While some found it jarring, King claimed it was Ka’s will—an explanation that didn’t sit well with readers already reeling from the cliffhanger. The backlash was intense. Fans sent angry letters, with one even threatening to harm a teddy bear unless King released the next book. Yes, you read that right. A teddy bear in chains. King, however, remained unapologetic at first, stating in his author’s note for The Waste Lands that he was as surprised by the ending as his readers were. But as time passed, even he seemed to question his approach.
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing: after being hit by a van in 1999, King experienced a near-death awakening that spurred him to finish the series with urgency. The final books not only resolved the plot but also included a meta storyline where the characters confront King himself, urging him to complete their story. It’s as if the series became self-aware, acknowledging the frustration it had caused. Was this King’s way of apologizing to his readers? It certainly feels that way.
Now, with the upcoming TV adaptation of The Dark Tower, showrunner Mike Flanagan has a golden opportunity to rewrite history. Will he resolve the Blaine the Train cliffhanger in a single season finale, sparing viewers the agony of a six-year wait? Or will he stay true to the books, risking the same backlash King faced? But here’s the real question: does modern storytelling demand instant gratification, or is there still room for the kind of suspense that once drove fans to chain teddy bears? Let’s discuss—do you think King’s cliffhanger was a stroke of genius or a frustrating flaw? And what do you hope the TV show will do differently? Sound off in the comments!
