Fans were promised that Ashes to Ashes' final episode would "wrap everything up", not just for Alex Drake's era but for Sam Tyler's too. It was a huge promise to offer the franchise's loyal fans, so inevitably there were high expectation surrounding its last ever episode. The concluding revelation of Life on Mars' spin-off show won't have pleased everyone, how could it? It did, however, make an honourable attempt at solving almost all its unanswered questions--a task Lost will struggle to match this Monday.
Spoilers ahead; don't read on if you're yet to watch the finale.
The concluding episode started like any other, with Gene Hunt sending his team to investigate another crime. At first nothing suggested it was a special episode, let alone the final episode of a four-year franchise, but then things started to click into place. The defining scenes may have taken a while to arrive, but when they did they were satisfyingly touching: the destruction of the Quattro poignantly pulled at our heartstrings, as did Gene's final words to Alex.
Gene did end up stealing the show in both Life on Mars and Ashes to Ashes so it was inevitable he would play a major part in the conclusion. His bolshie, chauvinistic remarks made the show all that more appealing and though we now know that was all just a cover for his insecurities, we, like Alex couldn't love him any less.
Making Gene an unconventional angel in an everlasting, lonely battle against the devil (or at least his smoky-eyes henchman Jim Keats) rounded his character nicely. All of the spats he'd had, and all of the insults he'd spouted, were automatically forgiven when his true purpose was revealed. The writers did good to keep us guessing right up until the end too; who'd have known that on the same day he held a gun to Alex's head he'd also selfishly encourage her to heaven (suitably symbolised by The Railway Arms from Life on Mars).
The writers gave all the characters a fitting farewell, including that of Life on Mars' Sam Tyler. Originally, we thought a reappearance from Sam would be the only we'd get closure from his disappearance, but the crossing-over storyline explained it all without any disappointment.
Friday's finale was one of those demanding conclusions that can only be fully-appreciated when watched twice, then perhaps again. It's an episode that's likely to resonate with you for a while as you think back to past events and compare with the know-known outcome.
As assured most questions were answered, but there were also some we've inevitably been left to theorise on. Queries such as: how Viv didn't need to go through the pub doors are left for us to decipher, but that's actually a good thing. It means we can enjoy re-watching the show from the beginning, looking at it from a different perspective.
Are you satisfied by the finale or would you like to know more?
What a great finale. Like many others, I've begun rewatching LoM/Ashes yet again. Even though it wrapped up in a plotwise way that I personally expected (more or less), it left me obsessing about the ending for days after in only the way great finales do (i.e. Six Feet Under). I just thank God I saw it before Lost's exit: what a constrast. Those darn short series from the Brits may always leave me wanting more, but at least they have the good sense to force clear, concise writing rather than the 2.5 hours of Lost meanderings/flashbacks/commercials. Cheers Guv, you'll be sorely missed.
It was better than LOST as endings go. The question of: My name is Sam Tyler. I had an accident, and I woke up in 1973. Am I mad, in a coma, or back in time? Whatever's happened, it's like I've landed on a different planet. Now, maybe if I can work out the reason, I can get home... were all answered. Unlike LOST? Which would have been a nice charter driven ending had ALL the characters returned...Walt? Michael? Mr Ekko?
I thought it was a great way to end the show and I for one was more than happy to see Keats get his comeupance - I really didnt like tha character and every week I was begging for some one, any one to punch his lights out.............It was a fitting end and even though there will be no more it was wonderful to see that the Gene Genie still reigns supreme.
re "Queries such as: how Viv didn't need to go through the pub doors are left for us to decipher"...
Viv was sent to hell by Keats. That's why he didn't go through the pub doors. Chris even mentioned that in a dream he saw him surrounded by flames.
It answered everything it needed to. I am very satisfied.