My basic position as soon as it ended was satisfaction, which is probably the best compliment one can deploy for a series finale, especially for a series such as this that was clearly aiming to tell a complete story from the get-go. While the dramatic zenith of the season was Ozymandias, two episodes prior, Felina settled all the issues that remained dangling. I cannot think of a major plot thread (or even a minor one) that was not sufficiently addressed. The last eight episodes of the series taken as a whole are a perfect concluding set of chapters to a truly brilliant story.
Observations
- I loved the Marty Robbins reference. That song was the first thing that came to my mind when I saw the title of the concluding episode (Felina). I had seen references to the title been an anagram of finale as well as referring to blood, meth, and tears (Fe, Li, Na). However, I had not seen a reference to Marty Robbins’ classic ballad about El Paso. Given the show’s western motif and creative use of music, I expected it would fit in somehow, especially since the last words of the the song are “Felina, good bye.” I love that Walt was humming it as he built his gun rig—because it is a song that definitely gets stuck in your head. (And, like the DVDs of Mr. Magorium in Granite State, I think that was the only tape in the stolen Volvo. I suspect he listened to it a number of times).
- While on the one hand, it is still blood money, I like the plan to use Gretchen and Eliot to funnel the money to the kids. It can’t make up for the mess that Walt created, but at least it should mean that they do not suffer all the consequences of Walt’s crimes.
- In general it was satisfying (there’s that word again) to see Eliot and Gretchen again.
- Loved seeing Badger and Skinny Pete one last time.
- The dominant predictions (the gun was for Jack’s crew and the ricin was for Lydia) came to pass.
- I guess all that time in the cabin contained some time for introspection after all: “I did it for me.”
- How about that look of sheer joy on Jesse’s face as he drives off?
- Although poor Jesse: what will do now? He is penniless and has to have the PTSD beyond measure at this point (not to mention a lot of guilt).
- Of course, the show did not wrap up all the justice issues (not that it should have tried). Skyler and Jesse are both criminals, but given all that they have suffered as a result of their association with Walt, it is easy to want to escape without formal punishment (and in the case of Jesse in particular, it is hard to say that he hasn’t been punished). A lot more could be written about this topic than can contained in a bullet point on a list (and I am sure it will be), but it was worth noting at least.
Nitpicks
- I am not sure that the coordinates for Hank and Steve’s bodies will be enough to get a deal for Skyler, but maybe.
- I would have liked a bit more dialog between Walt, Gretchen, and Eliot over the past. What really did happen at Gray Matter? OF course, that may have been too much exposition.
- Likewise, I felt like there were a few more words to be had between Walt and Jesse, but again, perhaps parsimony was best.
- It was a tad convenient that all of Uncle Jack’s crew were in the club house. Although I suppose that they would have all wanted to there to see the great Heisenberg get his.
- How did the police know to come? Did Walt tip them off somehow? If so, the timing was impeccable. The compound seems too remote for the gunfire to have roused suspicions (although it was quite a bit of firepower).
Thoughts?
