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There's a huge difference, Kenny, between books in series and 'serials', I think.
My own wee house won't touch 'serials' and insists that books in series must stand alone and that they can be read in any order. You see, shit happens.
For instance, an author of ours (the admirable Ron McLachlan) died suddenly last weekend while still working on the third in a series of novels. It shocked and saddened us. But, as far as the reader is concerned, he's not left them wondering what comes next. His first two books are perfectly self-contained and satisfyingly complete.
Few agents and publishers will look at a series of books from an untried and tested author. I certainly wouldn't. It's far too heavy a commitment -- and you'd be amazed how many submissions from inexperienced authors come in as 'part of a series -- currently working on book two', as though that's a selling point. It's actually the kiss of death.
Even with known and trusted authors who leave some threads dangling in a book to be tied up later, many publishers and editors (I'm one of 'em) won't run with one book until the follow-up is safely in house.
Cheers. Neil
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