The Lariat Class of 2018 finale: Revisiting some of the greatest finales of the entertainment industry
Entertainment May 23, 2018 Admin
This article contains spoilers for “Cowboy Bebop,” “Community,” and the “The Lord of the Rings” franchise.
As the senior class departs from the hallowed halls of CCHS for the last time in their academic careers next week, a sort of bittersweet nostalgia has set in for some students. For many clubs and school organizations, the end of the year represents a transition in power, a passing down of the torch, and The Lariat is no exception. There is no better time than to reflect on some of the entertainment industry’s finest send-offs.
“American VI: Ain’t No Grave” by Johnny Cash
Very few pieces in the entertainment industry can capture the mixed feelings of a farewell as solidly as “American VI: Ain’t No Grave.” Though the album was formed posthumously, it featured some of Cash’s last produced tracks. The most notable of which is “I Corinthians 15:55,” one of the last compositions Cash ever made, and a standout of the album. Based on the biblical verse of the same name (“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”), Cash expands upon its meaning to paint a beautiful picture in the listener’s mind. Cash’s greatest strengths can be found here, between the heavy and emotional vocals, the somber and lasting lyrical imagery and the understated hum of the instrumentals. As a complete album, “Ain’t No Grave” is a full experience. The optimistic highs and the regretful, sorrowful lows come together to form a perfect exercise in reflection on turning the page in a new chapter of life.
“Community”: Emotional Consequences of Broadcast Television
A cult classic loved by many, “Community” redefined the comedy TV show genre, bringing fresh ideas and amazing character development that few shows can rival. After five seasons and production problems that resulted in its cancellation on NBC and being picked up by the short-lived Yahoo! View for one more, it was a miracle that the show’s finale even happened. Yet somehow, despite all of these obstacles, “Community” delivered an absolutely perfect and heartfelt ending to each of the protagonists’ stories that would make any longtime fan cry bittersweet tears. The final scene in Emotional Consequences of Broadcast Television is one of the best in the entire show and is a testament to the quality of the show as a whole. It’s a culmination of six seasons’ worth of character moments and plotlines that a trendsetting show like “Community” deserves completely.
Cowboy Bebop: “The Real Folk Blues”
“Cowboy Bebop” is many things, but perhaps one of the best ways to describe it would be both full of substance and style. For the final act of this 26-episode animated sci-fi series, this style and substance is turned up a whole extra notch, making for a gripping conclusion worth investing in. As to be expected from “Cowboy Bebop,” the music perfectly accommodates every scene of the two-part finale. The combination of music and fitting (but admittedly dated) animation lends greatly to the unfolding narrative: the conclusion that viewers were waiting for, and potentially dreading, since “Ballad of Fallen Angels.” Main character Spike Spiegel’s past has caught up to him, and it’s time for him to face it. The final confrontation between Vicious and Spike seems pointless, but ultimately it is what gives Spike’s past actions meaning. As Spiegel himself puts it, “I’m not going there to die. I’m going to find out if I’m really alive.” And the emptiness that follows, while leaving viewers with a hollow feeling, ties together Spike’s story in the most fitting way possible: “Bang.”
“The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King”
Hobbits, elves, dwarves, a hero and an evil mystical force that seeks to rule the world. These are common features to any fantasy story but none is more epic in proportions than Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy and its finale “The Return of the King.” Despite being a lengthy three hours and 20 minutes long, “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” never has a dull moment and uses its running time wisely. One of the best moments in “The Return of the King” is at the very beginning, where audiences are given the backstory of the hated creature Gollum/Smeagol, giving the character much needed sympathy as well as a better understanding of the ring’s corrupting nature. The cast in general is terrific and is one of the main reasons that the Lord the Rings trilogy is such a great watch. Filled with amazing battles that were visually impressive back then as well as now and heartfelt character moments, “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” is a triumph and was a great way to end the franchise.
It’s best to look upon the final farewell as the end of a really fun ride, and reflect on the great memories that are behind; just as some of entertainment’s most wildly popular artists and characters have discovered, an ending’s payoff is nothing without its build-up.
Photo courtesy of Flickchart
