P-Sibencus

This show is brilliant from start to finish. Never in a story, TV series, or film have I seen the essence of what "family" is summer up so accurately. The show, in its entirety and in its series finale, is dark and depressing, and certainly doesn't end with a neat or happy ending. But it illustrates the toxicity of a generation passing on its dysfunction to the next generation and brings up the philosophical question of whether or not one's date is somewhat predetermined from birth. The show is dark, raw, and REAL. This is the reality of how we are as dysfunctional, narcissistic, weak, and egotistical human beings. And when these qualities are distilled and concentrated, passed down the bloodline to some extent, the ramifications of lies and deceit are a thousand fold. People who rate this episode a 1 just don't get it. Diane's conversation with John when she said goodbye to him the final time summed it all up. It's the crosses that we all bear, based on where we come from. A proportion of us bear it with some amount of grace and with the best of intentions, guided by a strong moral compass (John) - and yet, still fail in the end. Others bear the cross whilst in a state of significant denial and fumble our way through life with varied degrees of success (Meg). Others are weak-willed to begin with and make a mess of everything while blaming others (Kevin). And then there are the victims of circumstance, whose cross to bear is merely existing.

So deep, so many poignant themes and lessons.

Acting on all counts is superb. The lead kid is amazing (and I'm someone who finds the majority of today's child actors to be mostly talentless and irritating). A beautiful depiction of a friendship that defies societal expectations and endures. And speaking of norms, convention, socio-economic status: the final scene is a superb illustration of those critical fork-in-the-road moments where you either walk away or sell out. The two kids have this insight early on and are not merely little rebel punks acting out. They can see through the bull of what school, family, and society are trying to push down their throats. The only good advice came from Grandpa Hopkins!