Two fantastic shows have come to an end. The Kominsky Method's third and final season is now on Netflix, and the final episode of Mare of Easttown has been broadcast (on Sky/Now TV in the UK). But are those conclusions all that we hoped for?
Well...
Detective Mare Sheehan had a lot to clear up in the final episode of Mare of Easttown. At the end of episode six there were a lot of unanswered questions - not to mention a few unresolved issues - enough to leave audiences wondering if the last episode could answer every one of them. But that is exactly what they did, and as with the rest of the series, episode seven proved to be an edge of your seat affair.
Right from the off, Mare of Easttown proved to be a gripping detective drama, one that would keep us guessing throughout. It helped that the approach to the police work felt authentic, especially the fact that Mare can't switch off, and the case becomes almost an obsession for her. Not surprising really, given the fairly long list of suspects she had to deal with, some with pretty dark motives, all of whom she knows - the joy of being the lone detective in a small town, I guess. Watching Mare work this murder case wasn't all serious though, thanks to her partner Detective Colin Zabel (Evan Peters). Mare's old school cynicism combined with Zabel's youthful, sugar-coated enthusiasm proved to be rather amusing.
The thing that impressed most with the show, however, is that despite the central focus being this gruesome murder, there is so much more going on. Not least of all the terrible effect a crime like this would have on the local community, and the different ways people deal with that trauma - not to mention Mare's handling of the case. Moreover, the show dealt with Mare's troubled personal life, demonstrating that for all the time they spend helping people, dealing with their problems, cops can also be victims. They can still be affected by what goes on in both their personal and professional lives, something Kate Winslet does a phenomenal job of portraying. Winslet's performance avoids the usual Hollywood stereotypes, to play a more realistic middle-aged woman, making her quite relatable. Mare has suffered incredible trauma more than once in her life. She's simply trying to hold herself and her family together, whilst also working as a police detective in a small town that has fallen victim to this despicable crime.
Given how good this show is - and it really is - I'm surprised that Mare of Easttown is meant to be a one-off. I could quite easily see them making several seasons out of a premise like this, with Mare taking on a new murder case every season whilst also dealing with the ongoing issues at home. But I'm actually quite pleased this is not the case. It would be a shame to see a show like this drag itself into mediocrity - like many great shows that have gone before. Craig Zobel and his team brought the show to a close in a way that felt organic. They managed to keep us guessing as to the identity of the killer almost to the very end, and yet they still managed to explore how that affected the other characters without it feeling dragged out. It reflected real life in that respect, because things didn't really end, we just got an idea of how their lives were moving on.
As for The Kominsky Method...
The loss of Alan Arkin is definitely felt in the final season. He and Douglas had a wonderful chemistry, exactly the kind you'd expect of two elderly gentlemen who'd known each other for most of their lives. Which meant that the banter these loveable old codgers shared was absolutely hilarious. His absence in season 3 does - rather unfortunately - also mean a reduced role for Jane Seymour, her character being the perfect counter to Norman's reluctant pessimism.
But luckily for us it seems Sandy (Michael Douglas) has plenty of people waiting for the opportunity to give him shit. None more so than Kathleen Turner as his ex-wife (and Mindy's mother) Roz. The Romancing the Stone stars are unsurprisingly perfect together. So much so they look like the real deal. Watching them go at each other with playful banter is both hysterical and delightful. It's that "we used to be married, but we got over it" relationship, the pair nail it. You become so invested in their relationship, in fact, that the catharsis they find in their new found friendship is rather enjoyable.
Norman's absence does at least bring about some hilarious occurrences, especially for Sandy. Which means more crazy interactions with Norman's daughter Phoebe (Lisa Edelstein) and her son Robby (Haley Joel Osment). The pair provide some excellent comic relief in an already funny show. Also, watch out for an amusing guest appearance by Morgan Freeman.
The show has always dealt with the perils of growing old in a funny and dignified manner, and this season is no different. It is a shame however, that with only six episodes in this final season some story elements are only given a cursory glance. In fact, with two big time jumps in the final episode it feels like we're being rushed past some of the heavy bits (which were perfectly set up with the introduction of Kathleen Turner), in order to get to the end of this otherwise great show.
Thankfully though, despite being a little rushed towards the end - and Alan Arkin's absence - this was still a fun season, and a satisfying way to end this remarkable show.
There it is, two great shows, two great ends. How long do we have to wait for a re-watch?
What did you think of Mare of Easttown and The Kominsky Method? Leave a comment below or find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also email us at moviemoustache@gmail.com.
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