When I fall in love with a show, it becomes a huge part of my life; I live and breathe the characters and their adventures week after week. That’s why it’s particularly brutal when a show I adore gets cancelled way before its time. If this is indeed the end for Suburgatory (there are rumors that the show is being shopped around to other networks but I doubt anything will materialize), then this was certainly an unsatisfying series finale.
Let’s start with George and Dallas, the show’s core couple. I’ve been an ardent fan of their relationship since the show’s inception, so imagine my sheer and utter disappointment when the finale didn’t bring their journey to a close. Surely the writers had a feeling that Suburgatory would not get renewed thanks to its dwindling ratings? Instead we’re left with the two broken up, and George unwilling to admit how much he wants to be with the love of his life. While Jeremy Sisto and Cheryl Hines’s performances were as exceptional as always, it’s a pity that we have absolutely no closure where these two are concerned. Writers, you dropped the ball here and I’m beyond heartbroken.
Honestly, I never bought Tessa’s love for Ryan Shay. The latter was always a frustrating imbecile of a character, and I always felt Tessa deserved better. Nevertheless, the finale’s end sequence at least somewhat works as a thematic sendoff: Tessa finally fires back against Chatswin’s suburban restraints and practically has sex in the middle of a crowded street (as the rest of the cast watches on). It’s an admittedly memorable moment which somehow softens the blow of the show’s unjust cancellation (or maybe I’m just in denial).
I think the aspect that I’ll miss most about the show is its extraordinary cast. Each and every one of Chatswin’s characters was so perfectly drawn and realized, coming together to craft a wonderfully whacky cartoon world. Look no further than Carly Chaikin and her phenomenal performance as Dalia Royce over the course of three seasons. The girl injected a stereotypical bimbo with just the right dose of gravitas and stone-cold zingers. And what of the Shays? I would pay to watch Shiela and Fred Shay in their own nutty spinoff. Even during its weakest hours, both Ana Gasteyer and Chris Parnell kept Suburgatory afloat with hilarity and nuance.
Pickets & Fences
– I was never the biggest fan of Lisa and Malik, but their wedding in the penultimate episode of the season was marvelous. Plus, it was a great showcase for Dahlia who was horribly underutilized in this finale. Why God why?
– Perfect example of Suburgatory‘s eccentric and whimsical world: George’s hilarious dream with a naked Dallas sitting on his lap and pouring sugar all over herself.
– Through it all, Jane Levy has been an incredible Tessa. I’m positive this girl is going to have a brilliant future in Hollywood.
– The old ladies in Tessa’s knitting circle were enormously amusing.
– George singing a song about Dallas in the bar kind of bored me to tears.
– My favorite moment of the hour? Sheila begging George to sing again so she could Shazam his song. I swear I almost died.
Slices of Suburbia
Dahlia: Poor mommy. I know how you feel; my mouth almost hooked up with a piece of wedding cake but luckily I pulled out at the last minute.
George: (to Fred) You have children so I know you’ve been with a woman, but I gotta say… it sounds like you haven’t.
Boy: You could have mentioned that a little earlier before I wasted my Saturday night and 50 bucks.
Tessa: I ordered a side salad.
Boy: You added chicken!
Conclusion
As a season finale, this episode was a somewhat entertaining outing. But as a series finale, it was far from satisfying. However, it must be acknowledged that few comedies were ever as ambitious and witty as Suburgatory. Chatswin you were truly something special, and you will be greatly missed.
Nad Rating
B-