Interesting point to ponder. I wonder if Helix was given a two-season order originally and the production company spent the majority of the budget on the first season? Either that or they shot their load on the first season thinking that would be it for the show but then got the renewal order and found they didn't have that much left in the production coffers.
Funny you should ponder that. I am starting to get "filled in" on how some of this shit works. This show, along with most others, do start out with a set deal of a specific initial run. The larger studios can afford to do pilots first sometimes, but the smaller entities (like Syfy) purchase their shows from a type of broker representing the production studios. The deal hinges upon advertising revenue, and the price of advertising on a given show is based upon it's viewership ratings and especially the viewing demographics. The more advertising dollars, the greater chance that a given show will be continued or new seasons ordered. Along those lines. Syfy did not produce this show or many of the others it airs.
Having said that, if the initial run was set at two seasons, and the ratings are dismal, then there is not much advertising money made, and the run ends with no obligation to the broker or the production company. Im sure every deal is different, but they all basically follow the money.