The End

Before I started watching, I read the reviews and was intrigued by the great gap between high and low appreciation. Now I understand and I find myself on the high end.

The story telling is very compelling. There are numerous threads which come together in the main character, a female Dr. who is facing her ethics about dying. Yes, the writers pushed it to quite an extreme, but with the episodes being 30 min. I find they did an great job at keeping my attention. It's drama AND a bit of comedy, not a documentary. A story is being told to tackle the theme of death, dying, euthanasia... As I see it, the balance is pretty perfect; it's quite serious at the basis, and there is enough relief in the story not to make it too heavy. The acting is first rate, the visual conception is quite to the point.

Given the subject matter, which includes suicide, euthanasia and palliative care, this should be extremely dark and depressing. However, it is wonderfully funny, moving and life-affirming. And the acting! Wow. A true gem that's worth seeking out. Really hoping for a second series.

Love this show. Don't understand some of the disparaging remarks.

I don't know what else to say other then the Australians and English make the best and most thorough shows out there. American shows have gone way down hill.

I loved this series the actors were amazing and it managed to address a very complex issue without lecturing to people. Hopefully, there will be another season!

"The End" is 2021 release from Australia, with 10 episodes of about 27 min. Each. As Episode 1 "Do Not Resuscitate" opens, we see an older woman jump out from the second floor window as her house is burning down. Turns out that Edie was in fact trying to kill herself, but alas, she survives. Kate, her grown-up daughter and mother of 2 kids, moves Edie into a retirement community nearby. Meanwhile, Kate has her own troubles in the hospital where she works as a doctor... At this point we are 10 min. Into Episode 1.

Couple of comments: this TV series is billed as a "drama" and while certainly there are dramatic moments and events, based on the initial 2 episodes (Episode 2 is billed as "Toxic Shock Syndrome") that I have seen so far, this is more of a a quirky show that mixes dark humor with astute observations about life. Besides Edie and Kate, the show also shadows the 2 kids (boy of 13-14, girl of 10-11), and a number of other characters including at the retirement community. In fact, again based on the first 2 episodes, this show packs a LOT into its half hour episodes. I could very well understand why certain people might not like it, yet others liking it a lot. I'm gravitating towards the latter group.

"The End" aired on Australian TV in early 2020 (and it was clearly filmed before the pandemic hit). The first 2 episodes aired on Showtime this weekend. These episodes are now available on Showtime On Demand and other streaming services. New episodes air Sunday evenings at 8 pm Eastern. If you are in the mood for something else, perhaps something quirky, I'd readily suggest you check this out and draw your own conclusion.