In the movie Cocktail, Bryan Brown’s character says, “All things end badly, or else they wouldn't end.”I believe that’s really true. And heck yes I quoted Cocktail.
But I was watching the last episode of “The Larry Sanders Show” the other day and thought it was a perfect wrap-up to maybe the best sitcom ever. Which got me to thinking: it really says something about a show if the creator not only ends on his own terms, but gives the audience an appropriate sendoff. Here are five that accomplished this:
“Larry Sanders.” This show was brilliant from the first episode until the last, which featured a show within a show ending properly as well.
“Six Feet Under.” This had the best final five minutes of any show, in which we flash forward to every main character’s death.
“Extras.” Ricky Gervais does it right – he’s ended both his shows after two seasons, both on high notes. You can watch the last episode of “Extras” without having watched any others, and you’ll still be really moved.
“The Office.” The American version is very well-done, and so was the British original. It didn’t have a true final episode until fans begged Gervais for one, and he obliged with a 90-minute Christmas finale. According to Ricky’s episode commentary, during a pivotal romantic moment, cheers from all the viewing parties in London could heard throughout the city’s streets.
“St. Elsewhere.” ALN, the AmericanLife Network, is owned by the Unification Church, which recently realized that what Jesus would do is lose the religiousy programs and replace them with more profitable, classic dramas. Bless them, because I’ve become addicted to “St. Elsewhere,” a much superior hospital drama than “ER.” In the very final moment of the show, we realize the entire series was a figment of an autistic boy’s imagination. Amen.
