Why I think the Gavin & Stacey finale is exquisite.
(Or more specifically, the last scene).
What I have always loved about Gavin & Stacey is that it is relatable. And, not in the 'oh this character is bad at sports, I'm bad at sports that's so relatable' way, but in the way that I can look at all of the characters and see somebody I know. Maybe being from Essex helps out with that, but I can look at Mick and say 'that's my grandad, that phrase, that walk, that tone of voice is exactly like my grandad.' I can look at Gwen and see my aunt, I can look at Ness and see my best friend, and I think that's part of why its so popular. We, as an audience, look at these characters and begin to feel like we are part of their family, and we grow incredibly attached to them. And that is why I think the finale is so amazing.
A lot of what the characters go through is fairly mundane, its not Eastenders or MASH or other soap operas, because nothing particularly crazy happens. It is a fairly accurate depiction of the typical human experience; things that we all go through every day, and that also allows us to become closer to and more invested in the characters.
So in that final scene, when the main four are just talking about something as mundane as a takeaway and laughing together, you get this profound feeling that their lives go on. The ending is not final, it doesn't just cut to black, and that is a wonderful image, because we see a lot of shows where they just end. But your life doesn't just end as soon as the credits roll, you go on and it does not. Gavin & Stacey goes on with you.
And when the theme starts to play; the famous "Tell me tomorrow, I'll wait by the window for you." And the camera pans out showing the rest of Barry Island, and the main characters become just as small as the extras, you get this sense that the show could be about anyone. It could be about you. And, in a way, it is about you. And the song is about you, they are waiting for you, just as your Gavin waits to be with you, and your Gwen is waiting to take care of you, and - I don't know about anyone else - but that gives me courage. That gives me hope.
