The End - A Escolha

A fabulous cast who all rise to the challenge of their roles. Films like 'Me Before You', 'Breathe' and 'Last Cab to Darwin' explore end of life but this series is not scared of showing the not so pleasant consequences. If you have ever had to watch someone slowly die from a chronic condition, or had to make the decision on behalf of a loved one to place them into aged or palliative care you will know all the feelings of guilt, uselessness and frustration you experience in the process.

'The End' however is not all gloom and doom. The coming of age arcs of the teenagers, the broken or failed relationships and strengthening of relationships is interwoven with black humour. you don't leave this series feeling morbid.

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.

"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.

The casting and acting in this show is amazing all the way through. The different topics all handled so well that your are drawn in and feel for all the characters. This show definitely needs a season 2 and more with such great characters. Worth watching!

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.