I’ve rewatched the finale a few more times since it aired, and I can almost make it all the way through without completely losing my shit. So this seemed like a good time to post a few observations/opinions and to just share my overall awe at how really great the show is/was.
-There is NO MUSIC for the first 11 minutes of the episode. The soundtrack is grief, sorrow and utter devastation. For a show that has pervasive use of music, it was not needed to convey the emotions of those scenes.
-Pharm’s father was the bridge-metaphorically and figuratively. He is the reason they were able to find one another again. Also just realized that In’s dad asks Korn to take care of In, then later on it is Korn’s dad who asks Dean to take care of Pharm.
-Title absolutely nailing it in that solo scene. Holy shit.
-It is totally insane how talented Fluke is. His performance in the scenes in the apartment is really incredible. Even on the rewatches, I still get goosebumps.
-The switch between DeanPharm and InKorn are seamlessly done, and are just amazing.
-The casting directors killed it...when Pharm is standing with his mother and brother in the hospital room, I would believe they are related IRL.
-Thank god the cutting of the red thread was a dream sequence. My heart could not have withstood that.
-I love the Manaow/Team/Pharm squad dynamic. They’re like a giant pile of puppies every time they are together. A total mood, every time they share the screen.
-Part four is sincerely a love letter to the fans. P’New gave us little presents all tied up in cute packages...Team/Win, Manaow gets her man, even Best gets to have some lines! The only thing missing is the flash forward from the novel.
-Sammy and Bosston are giving me life in their scene. I could die happy now. Really, I need a few more episodes of them being adorkable together.
-The last 15 minutes of the episode is really where I can’t hold it together...from the InKorn scene to the ring scene, I’m still ugly crying.
-I know everyone does a lot of talking about Fluke, because he is really just so talented, but Ohm really gave a hell of a performance. You would never know that this was his first main role. Dean is not an easy part to portray, and Ohm brought so many layers to the character. Subtle and powerful.
-And finally, to hear the actors singing the lyrics in the last scene...that filled my heart with joy. When Dean puts the ring on Pharm’s finger, that’s Earth singing “...you are my starlight at night.”
This show definitely transcends the genre, and is easily in my top 3 most favorite. I know there are some folks on here who thought it went on too long, too many episodes, but honestly it would have felt rushed if it was shorter, and there would have been so much content that we would have missed out on.
I’m sad that it’s over, but like many great shows, a rewatch is like visiting with old friends. I hope they move forward with Hemp Rope because TeamWin/WinTeam are my jam, and I need to see more of Boun and Prem together.
If you made it to the end of this, here’s a little easter egg...what show are Dean & Pharm watching on the TV? Listen closely...see if you can identify the dialogue.
