I've been thinking about series finales lately for some unknown reason. Thought I'd share my opinions here to start a discussion.
Best (OG): The Mary Tyler Moore Show - Before it was even a thing, TMTMS went out with a finale that was sad, funny, heartwarming and seemed appropriate for the news business. Bonus for them deciding that Ted Baxter (the series' untalented punching bag) was the only character not fired.
Best (modern day): Breaking Bad - The gold standard. Creators managed to tie almost everything up in a very satisfying way. With the exception of Marie, we knew the fates of the remaining main characters. FWIW, I was okay with the open-ended fates of Jessie and Saul (more on that later).
Best Non-finale: Everybody Loves Raymond - Last scene was the entire cast sitting around the kitchen table eating (weirdly all on the same side ala the Last Supper). Great decision by creators who knew show would live on in syndication to not change anything. I actually wish more sitcoms would make this decision, unless they have a good resolution.
Worst Finale: How I Met Your Mother - A popular opinion. As a friend of mine said, the finale changes how you watch the entire series, and not in a good way. I think the creators underestimated how much fans would like Cristin Milioti as the 'mother', and Barney and Robin being together.
Much Ado About Nothing Finale: Seinfeld - A lot of people hated this finale and I didn't particularly like it. But I think it just fell flat, much like the entire last season.
Finale That Is Growing On Me: The Sopranos - I didn't like the fade to black when it aired but I've changed my mind over time. Understanding that the creators meant to imply that the fade is the moment Tony got hit seems pretty genius. I'd rather not see that acted out, plus it left it open for other possibilities. RIP James Gandolfini.
Most Personally Disappointing Finale: Better Call Saul - I know this won't be popular. While BCS was an enjoyable series overall, I hated how they ended Saul's character arc. In a similar fashion to HIMYM, the finale of BCS changes how you watch Breaking Bad. BB was high drama with many episodes ending in cliffhangers, and Saul was the comedy relief. You always felt happy when Saul showed up. Now I know he's the sad clown who will botch his own escape and end up in prison. Much like El Camino, I was happier with the ending I made up in my head than the one shown to me by the creators.
TL;DR - I watch too much television.
Best (OG): The Mary Tyler Moore Show - Before it was even a thing, TMTMS went out with a finale that was sad, funny, heartwarming and seemed appropriate for the news business. Bonus for them deciding that Ted Baxter (the series' untalented punching bag) was the only character not fired.
Best (modern day): Breaking Bad - The gold standard. Creators managed to tie almost everything up in a very satisfying way. With the exception of Marie, we knew the fates of the remaining main characters. FWIW, I was okay with the open-ended fates of Jessie and Saul (more on that later).
Best Non-finale: Everybody Loves Raymond - Last scene was the entire cast sitting around the kitchen table eating (weirdly all on the same side ala the Last Supper). Great decision by creators who knew show would live on in syndication to not change anything. I actually wish more sitcoms would make this decision, unless they have a good resolution.
Worst Finale: How I Met Your Mother - A popular opinion. As a friend of mine said, the finale changes how you watch the entire series, and not in a good way. I think the creators underestimated how much fans would like Cristin Milioti as the 'mother', and Barney and Robin being together.
Much Ado About Nothing Finale: Seinfeld - A lot of people hated this finale and I didn't particularly like it. But I think it just fell flat, much like the entire last season.
Finale That Is Growing On Me: The Sopranos - I didn't like the fade to black when it aired but I've changed my mind over time. Understanding that the creators meant to imply that the fade is the moment Tony got hit seems pretty genius. I'd rather not see that acted out, plus it left it open for other possibilities. RIP James Gandolfini.
Most Personally Disappointing Finale: Better Call Saul - I know this won't be popular. While BCS was an enjoyable series overall, I hated how they ended Saul's character arc. In a similar fashion to HIMYM, the finale of BCS changes how you watch Breaking Bad. BB was high drama with many episodes ending in cliffhangers, and Saul was the comedy relief. You always felt happy when Saul showed up. Now I know he's the sad clown who will botch his own escape and end up in prison. Much like El Camino, I was happier with the ending I made up in my head than the one shown to me by the creators.
TL;DR - I watch too much television.
