The Great Debate: Which TV Series Had the Best Final Episode?

Discussing the endgame of TV series can ignite spirited debates among fans. From surreal comebacks to poignantly wrapped-up storylines, some final episodes leave viewers in awe, while others leave them craving more. In this article, we explore some of the most memorable final episodes that have captivated audiences and shaped the landscape of television.

Bob Newhart's Ingenious Twist

Bob Newhart's sitcom The Bob Newhart Show concluded on a truly surreal note. In the last two minutes, the protagonist, Bob Newhart, waking up from a dream that transformed his character from a political consultant to an innkeeper, provided a fitting and humorous anticlimax to the series. The essence of the show's parody and the abrupt yet witty resolution offer a unique example of a show that might not quite fit the typical Hollywood wrap-up but left a lasting impression all the same.

Breaking Bad's Masterful Finale

Breaking Bad took everything to another level with its final episodes. The show's protagonist, Walter White (played by Bryan Cranston), had a blissful sense of indignation as he watched the aftermath of his actions. Irony peppered the episode as White, who initially embarked on his criminal journey for financial stability, peacefully died after killing his nemesis, Jesse Pinkman. The ultimate irony lay in the fact that he had distinguished himself as the best crystal meth cook in the business. Despite its brevity (Breaking Bad is notorious for its, at times, ritualistic 24-episode series finale), it culminated in a powerful and emotionally resonant moment that solidified the show's legacy.

Better Call Saul: A Prepared Conclusion

To explore the journey of these iconic characters in more detail, the prequel series Better Call Saul provided a richly planned conclusion to Walter White's origins. The final episodes of Better Call Saul echo the now-familiar tone and style of the main series. Jesse Pinkman, previously a tragic figure, finds a measure of redemption and legal clarity. This resolution stands as a testament to the building tension and depth of the series, which leaves fans feeling both satisfied and somewhat detached from the characters they've come to understand so well.

The Controversy: Including Game of Thrones?

While some may argue that including Game of Thrones in a list of final episodes is premature since its true finale has yet to air, the show's final episode that aired in 2019 certainly left a significant impact. The episode, "The Long Night," included a complex and sometimes bewildering set of events leading up to the decisive moments of the battle against the Night King. It was a mix of action, revelation, and emotional soaring. However, to many, the ultimate satisfaction of a show is not just about the last scene but the journey that brought it there. Whether or not Game of Thrones succeeds in delivering a satisfying final episode, its approach to its conclusion marks it as a show that pushed the limits of storytelling and anticipation.

Choosing the Best Final Episode

From the surreal twist of The Bob Newhart Show to the poignantly iconic conclusion of Breaking Bad, and the carefully crafted ending of Better Call Saul, what are some of your favorite final episodes? Let us know in the comments below. Do you think the upcoming final episodes of shows like Stranger Things and South Park will live up to the legacy of the shows they call home?

Final Words

The journey of a TV series is filled with twists and turns, and its final episode serves as a testament to the storytelling prowess of the creators. Whether it’s the irreverent and surreal The Bob Newhart Show, the poignantly cathartic Breaking Bad, or the carefully woven Better Call Saul, each final episode offers a unique glimpse into the soul of the show.