When A Long Running Series Ends
I always get a certain feeling in my chest when a long running piece of media I love ends. An intense bittersweet feeling. As if someone I've been on a long journey with has reached their destination while I still have more to do. In the year 2022 I felt this way regarding three different series.
Better Call Saul
February 8, 2015 – August 15, 2022
The ending of this prequel to Breaking Bad felt both satisfying and inevitable. Given that I knew this season would be the show's last I was pretty prepared for this one. Assuming the final episode of BCS will be the last made in the Breaking Bad world it's a good way to wrap things up. I'm definitely excited for Vince Gilligan's next project. For those who have finished the show I would suggest checking out the YouTube channel What's Therapy? for some great analysis.
What Next
I struggled to think of a show to recommend to people who loved BCS. The best choice I could think of is the anime adaption of Naoki Urasawa's Monster. Which conveniently is now available on Netflix! These shows are not that similar to be honest, but I am pretty sure most who enjoyed BCS will get into Monster as well.
Chihayafuru
December 2007 – August 2022
The ending of the manga Chihayafuru was the result of many years of writing quality character growth. This sports manga about a card game earned it's emotional ending from over a decade of consistent evolution of it's cast. Please read and watch Chihayafuru.
What Next
I'd like to recommend two different manga, both by Naoki Urasawa. If you are looking for something with romance and sports but more comedy and less heartbreak than Chihayafuru then watch Yawara!. If you can deal with a lot of heartbreak (in a bit of a different sense) then read the manga Happy!. Hopefully one or both of these will be to your liking.
Golden Kamuy
August 2014 – April 2022
Golden Kamuy rocks, but I won't get into it too much here as I plan on writing a longer post on the series. Please take the time to read it.
What Next
If you are looking to start another adventure after finishing Golden Kamuy you should finally start reading One Piece! Though it should be mentioned that One Piece has not reached its ending yet.
Endings of long running series don't always go well, but not much is better than when they feel right. Having closure for a story you have followed for awhile is tough not to have. It's rare for an ending to be so bad it retroactively ruins a story, but unsatisfying endings are common.
So I salute those storytellers who are able to stick the landing. I find a good ending generally closes the book on the story's themes and main characters while still giving a feeling that lingers on. Sometimes the feeling of being left wanting more can be bittersweet, but it's a feeling I cherish.
Thanks for reading!
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