Finale Time Continues
Last night, two series bowed off the air. For better or worse, both shows once set the standard for the sitcom and drama, but their Neilsen ratings have dwindled in recent years, thereby pushing them into the far recesses of media buzz. Yet, both programs managed to go off the air last night gracefully, and with dignity.Malcolm in the Middle was a hilarious show about a seemingly dysfunctional nuclear family that was so chaotic in its functionality that it looked like anarchy. Instead, it was a family that thrived on its own rules, the most important of which were: Father and Mother know best; and Hell hath no fury as a member of this family when another family member has been wronged.
Last night's finale revolved around Malcolm's graduation/valedictorian speech, Hal and Lois worrying about how to pay for Malcolm's Harvard tuition, and Reese being overjoyed at getting a job as the school's new assistant janitor. Just as in typical Malcolm fashion, everything goes chaotically awry, which causes Lois and Malcolm to have it out. He wanted to take a computer job that would start him with an immediate six-figure salary. She forced him to turn it down, telling him that's not in his future. Then, in every bit of "I'm your mother and I know what's best for you" righteous fire she can summon, she tells Malcolm that he is going to go to Harvard, work multiple jobs, be looked down upon by every student there because of his poverty, but he will succeed. He will continue to excel, surpassing all of them until he becomes President of the United States. Then, he will be one of the best Presidents because he will have understood suffering, pain, and the difficulties that a working-class family goes through. Standing there, looking at her incredulously, he realizes that every other family member not only believes that he can do it, but that it is his destiny.
So he goes to give his valedictorian speech, telling his classmates that even as they prepare to leave, they'll never get away from their families because that's who they are. Cue the tears. Beautiful moments.
The West Wing (a grossly over-praised program) has actually had a renaissance this year by splitting its focus between a campaign and the Oval Office. More importantly, it toned down its self-righteous attitude and despite missteps has been absorbing television.
The finale episode saw President-Elect Santos preparing to take the Oath of Office, as President Bartlett was closing up shop. Sure, there were the traditional touches of "I'm expected to believe that?" (like the fact didn't Mrs. Santos didn't know there were nine balls to attend, nor did she know that she was expected to wear different gowns to each of them.). Overall however, the episode was sentimental and sweet without becoming cloying. Not much happened in terms of plot, but it was a fitting send-off for a show that many people held closely to their hearts.
posted by cinegod @ 12:59 PM
4 Comments:
BEST part of the West Wing finale HANDS DOWN was when Abigail Bartlett asked the President "Who decided it was a good idea to have an outdoor event in January" and he listed off past Presidents, "Jefferson...Adams..." etc. etc.
Out of nowhere, Rich yells, "HE'S WRONG." I didn't even know he was listening/watching. I was like, "Huh?"
Well, as a few websites today confirmed, he WAS wrong. The inauguration wasn't moved to January until FDR's administration. Prior to that it was in March.
The fact that pretencious President Bartlett was the one to utter this historically inaccurate line just makes it even better.
Oh...and please tell me you watched "Grey's Anatomy" last night. SOOOOooooooOOOOOoooooOOOOo good.
Great catch on Rich's part. Watched the first half of "Grey's." I was actually kind of annoyed with it. Will get to the second part tonight probably.
After watching last night's 2 hour finale, I was pretty annoyed myself (and that's putting it mildly.) A PROM!? Seriously!?
I think they would have been better off ending things Sunday night. Last night's episode flat-lined as far as I'm concerned...
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